Google Flags Challenges of Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, Calls It Ineffective

Google has raised serious concerns over Australia’s upcoming ban on social media access for children under 16, warning that it will be extremely difficult to enforce and may not effectively enhance online safety. The law, set to take effect on December 10, 2024, requires platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to prevent minors from creating or maintaining accounts, with penalties of up to A$49.5 million (around USD 32 million) for non-compliance.

Unlike traditional age verification methods, the legislation mandates that platforms estimate users’ ages using AI and behavioral signals, without requesting official identification documents. Google and other tech companies argue that this approach is prone to inaccuracies and could produce unintended consequences, including misidentification and privacy concerns.

Rachel Lord, YouTube’s Senior Manager for Government Affairs in Australia, highlighted these issues during testimony before lawmakers. While acknowledging the law’s intent to protect children online, she emphasized that the legislation might fail to achieve its goals. Google has also asserted that YouTube should not be classified as a social media platform but rather as a video-sharing service, arguing that applying the law to YouTube is inappropriate.

The company stressed that a more effective solution would involve industry-led safety measures, complemented by government oversight, rather than blanket restrictions. Lord noted that keeping children safe online does not mean preventing them from accessing digital platforms entirely; instead, it requires providing tools, guidance, and protections to navigate the internet responsibly.

Google’s response underscores broader skepticism in the tech industry about large-scale age verification laws, with experts warning that minors could circumvent restrictions and that enforcement would place a heavy burden on platforms. The company continues to advocate for a balanced strategy that enhances safety while maintaining accessibility, highlighting the need for practical and enforceable policies in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

This debate reflects growing global attention on children’s online safety, as governments and tech companies grapple with how to protect young users without restricting access to educational and social resources.