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Australia bans social media for under 16s (www.theverge.com)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 43 points 5 months ago (9 children)

the rules are expected to apply to the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, per the Prime Minister.

Sites used for education, including YouTube, would be exempt, as are messaging apps like WhatsApp.

The law does not require users to upload government IDs as part of the verification process.

Sounds like a pretty weak law. It will require a birthday when creating an account and accounts under the age of 16 will be restricted/limited. As a result users (people under 16) will lie about their age.

Companies don't like this because it messes with their data collection. If they collect data that proves an account is under 16 they will be required to make them limited/restricted. However they obviously collect this data already.

I wonder if Facebook and other apps will add/push education elements in order to become exempt.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (2 children)

The law does not require users to upload government IDs as part of the verification process.

No, it merely requires the sites to provide an alternative, such as face scanning using a mobile phone unlock. Using a computer ? Then you'll have hand over your ID.

The law also explicitly gives sites the right to onsell private information if its outlined in the terms of agrrement.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Re verification per AP,

The amendments passed on Friday bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses, nor could they demand digital identification through a government system.

So it sounds like an ID will not be a requirement.

I suppose a face scan is possible, but I find it unlikely. Obviously if it heads in that direction then the law should be amended to clarify that is also not acceptable.

In terms of selling information I assume that just clarifies the status quo and isn't new. Not that that makes it acceptable, it just means that's something to tackle.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

So it sounds like an ID will not be a requirement.

Sure, but gov ID is permitted as an option if another non-ID option is also available.

Simply choose between submitting your government ID or, say, switch on your front facing camera so we can perform some digital phrenology to determine your eligibility.

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