Snapchat has initiated a process requiring teenage Australians to confirm their ages, as stated by a company representative on Monday, just weeks prior to Canberra implementing extensive regulations prohibiting individuals under 16 from using social media.
Beginning December 10, Australia will mandate social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, to eliminate users below the age of 16 or face substantial penalties.
“This week, numerous users will be prompted to verify their age in order to maintain access to Snapchat,” the company announced.
Users can accomplish this by utilizing an Australian bank account, government-issued identification, or by submitting a photograph of their face, which a third party will then analyze to provide an estimated age range.
As of December 10, accounts belonging to users under 16 will be locked.
Snapchat, similar to other social media platforms, has recommended that teenage users download their data promptly, as it may become challenging to do so once the ban is enforced.
The messaging application expressed strong disagreement with its inclusion in the government’s prohibition but stated, “we will comply, as we do with all local laws in countries where we operate.”
“Nevertheless, severing teens from their friends and family does not enhance their safety – it may drive them towards less secure, less private messaging applications,” it cautioned.
To date, 10 platforms, including Discord, WhatsApp, Lego Play, and Pinterest, have managed to avoid being encompassed by this significant legislation.
However, Australian authorities have retained the authority to modify the list of prohibited platforms as necessary.
There is significant interest in whether Australia’s extensive restrictions can be effective as regulators worldwide grapple with the risks associated with social media.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to propose a comparable bill aimed at limiting children’s social media usage.
Additionally, the Dutch government has advised parents this year to prevent children under 15 from utilizing social media applications such as TikTok and Snapchat.
On paper, this ban stands as one of the most stringent in the world.
