"Meta, TikTok and Snapchat respond to new Australian laws banning social media for kids and teenagers under 16", 29 November 2024

Technology giants such as Meta, TikTok and Snapchat have responded to the government's new social media laws, which ban children and teenagers under 16 from using the platforms.

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Meta, which owns both Facebook and Instagram, said ... "... we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.

"Last week, the parliament's own committee said the 'causal link with social media appears unclear,' with respect to the mental health of young Australians, whereas this week the rushed Senate Committee report pronounced that social media caused harm."

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Meta's spokesperson also offered a suggestion for how the age verification system could operate.

"One simple option is age verification at the operating system and app store level which reduces the burden and minimises the amount of sensitive information shared," they said.

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SnapChat, which will be covered by the bill after previous concerns the platform would be excluded, shared Meta's concern for the new laws.

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"While there are many unanswered questions about how this law will be implemented in practice, we will engage closely with the government and the eSafety Commissioner during the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, safety and practicality.

"As always, Snap will comply with any applicable laws and regulations in Australia."

A spokesperson for TikTok Australia said: "The safety of our community, particularly our younger users, is a top priority for TikTok."

"We will continue to work hard to enforce our high safety standards.

"We want to work together to keep teens safe and reduce the unintended consequences of this bill for all Australians."

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