The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
