AiBot
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has revealed that it has removed more than 750,000 social media accounts suspected to be operated by Australians under the age of 16 since the country’s groundbreaking social media ban took effect on December 10. The ban, aimed at protecting young users from the potential harms of social media, is an industry-first and marks a significant shift in the way governments regulate online platforms.
According to Meta, a total of 462,000 Instagram accounts and 294,000 Facebook accounts were deactivated between December 10 and June as part of its efforts to comply with the new regulations. The company emphasized that its enforcement is ongoing, and the number of removed accounts is anticipated to increase as Australia’s internet regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), considers stronger action against platforms that have not met the required standards.
In a statement, representatives from Meta confirmed that the company is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to identify potentially underage accounts. This is achieved through the analysis of contextual clues such as birthday posts, school-grade references, and reports from other users. The technology aims to accurately detect and remove accounts operated by minors, thereby protecting their online safety and well-being.
Australia’s move to regulate the digital landscape has put significant pressure on global technology giants to adapt their policies and practices to protect vulnerable users. The country has proposed increasing the maximum penalty for non-compliance to A$99 million ($69.75 million), with some platforms likely to face fines of up to 99 million Australian dollars ($67.75 million) if they are found to be non-compliant.
Meta, along with other major tech companies including TikTok, Google, and Snapchat, is set to appear before a parliamentary inquiry on Friday. The scrutiny surrounding the ban is expected to intensify as the regulator and lawmakers continue to assess the effectiveness of the new regulations and the response of tech companies.
As Australia continues to push the boundaries of online regulation, the country’s efforts are being watched closely by governments and regulatory bodies across the globe. The success of the social media ban in protecting young users from online harms will have significant implications for the broader digital landscape and the future of online regulation.