Australia social media ban: when is it, how will it work and what apps are being banned for under-16s?

"Australia's world-first social media ban for children under the age of 16 is just a week away. The tech platforms large and small are working on functionality that will kick off existing under-16 account holders and prevent any new ones from signing up. But how will it work, what happens to those accounts and what can people do if they are wrongly banned?"

"Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick were named in the initial list. Threads is also covered as an Instagram account is required to use the app. The government has said this is a dynamic list, so other platforms could be added at a later stage if, for example, kids flee to one after the ban and it raises similar concerns as the above."

Australia will ban under-16s from using major social platforms, with tech companies implementing features to remove existing under-16 accounts and block new sign-ups. Platforms named include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick and Threads; the list is dynamic and may grow if young users migrate to other services. Exemptions cover Roblox, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, Pinterest and some job or educational platforms. Platforms are expected to self-assess whether they must comply and can seek clarification from the eSafety commissioner. The government requires that requesting ID cannot be the only method of age verification.

Read at www.theguardian.com