Tech Giants Accused of Defying Australia's Social Media Ban for Minors
Investigation launched as survey finds nearly 70% of under-16s still have accounts on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok despite landmark legislation.
The Australian government has launched an investigation into major tech companies, including Meta, TikTok, and Google, for allegedly disregarding the country's new law banning under-16s from using social media platforms. A recent survey revealed that a significant number of children in Australia continue to maintain accounts on popular apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, despite the new legislation.
The survey, which polled 900 Australian parents, found that around a third (31%) of children still had one or more social media accounts after the ban was implemented, compared to 49% before the new laws were enacted. This suggests that nearly 70% of under-16s with pre-existing accounts have managed to maintain access to these platforms, raising concerns about the tech giants' compliance with the landmark legislation.
The Australian Online Safety Office has expressed alarm at these findings, indicating that the government is now investigating the tech companies to determine if they have indeed violated the social media ban. The investigation aims to shed light on the extent to which these companies have taken the necessary steps to enforce the new regulations and protect minors from the potential harms associated with social media usage.
