Anika Wells warns tech giants Meta, TikTok to act before kids’ social media ban hits
Social media companies have been put on notice to be prepared for an incoming ban on children being able to use their platforms.
As a federal ad campaign is set to be rolled out in preparation for the ban coming into effect on December 10, the minister in charge of the world-leading laws warns there is no excuse for sites not to be ready.
Communications Minister Anika Wells met executives from Facebook’s parent company Meta, Snapchat and TikTok on Monday about expectations for how the ban will be enforced.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Meetings with executives from YouTube will take place later in the week, while talks with Elon Musk’s X will be done in November.
Ms Wells said while platforms were told perfection in upholding the bans was not expected, attempts to shift the blame would not be condoned.
“Social media companies have a social responsibility,” Ms Wells said.
“The purpose of this law is clear - this is about creating cultural change so that young Australians have three more years to build real-world connections and online resilience.”
From December 10, platforms must take reasonable steps to detect underage users and prevent under-16s accessing the platforms, as well as provide an accessible complaints process for users.
Tech giants could face fines of up to $50 million if they do not comply.
A national ad campaign will be rolled out from later in the week, before the ban goes into effect.
“This important education campaign will make a meaningful difference to help prepare Australian parents and their children for the Albanese government’s world-first social media age laws,” Ms Wells said.
