Australia's social media ban for children has left big tech scrambling
Stephen Scheeler, who became Facebook's Australia chief in the early 2010s, initially believed social media could connect the world and improve learning. It offered users a way to build public spaces without traditional gatekeepers. By 2017, however, he began noticing the negative impacts these platforms could have.
Teenagers have become a major focus of concern. Critics say social media companies target young people to make profits, often harming their mental health. Governments like Utah in the US and the European Union have explored ways to limit children’s social media use. Australia is taking a radical step with a ban on under-16s starting 10 December, requiring tech firms to prevent children from creating accounts.
Many social media companies argue that Australia’s ban could backfire. They claim it may make children less safe, violate their rights, and face technical challenges in enforcement. Industry experts worry the law could influence other countries if it is seen as a successful example.
In the US, multiple whistleblowers and lawsuits accuse companies like Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube of prioritizing profits over user safety. A landmark trial in January will examine claims that these apps were designed to be addictive and that companies covered up harms to users. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel have been ordered to testify.
The cases include hundreds of complaints from parents and school districts. Prosecutors have also alleged that Zuckerberg blocked efforts to protect teens, including proposals to remove Instagram’s beauty filters, which experts say worsen body image issues. Former Meta employees, including Frances Haugen, have testified before Congress, while Meta insists it works hard to keep teens safe online.
Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce86381p70eo
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