In late November, Australia's federal parliament took a significant step by passing landmark legislation that prohibits under-16s from accessing social media. However, many details still remain unclear. We do not have a comprehensive list of the specific platforms that will be covered by this legislation, nor do we know exactly how the ban will be implemented in practice. Nevertheless, the government has indicated that trials of age assurance technologies will play a central role in its enforcement approach.

Unraveling the Impact of Australia's Social Media Ban and China's Approach

Australia's Social Media Ban: The Uncertain Details

In late November, Australia's federal parliament passed a landmark law restricting under-16s from accessing social media. This decision has sparked much discussion and speculation. While the intention behind the ban is clear - to protect young people from potential harms - the practical implementation remains a mystery. We do not know which specific social media platforms will be affected or how the ban will be enforced on a day-to-day basis. The government's reliance on age assurance technologies in the enforcement process raises questions about their effectiveness and potential privacy implications.There is a need for more clarity and transparency regarding the details of this ban. Without a clear understanding of which platforms will be included and how the ban will work, it will be difficult to assess its true impact and determine whether it will achieve its intended goals.

China's Approach to Regulating Video Games and Online Platforms

China is known for its strict regulations on various aspects of society, including video games and online platforms. The country has a deep cultural and social history of associating video games with addiction and harm, often referring to them as "spiritual opium." This perception has led to the implementation of strict regulations to limit children's access to online gaming.In 2019, China introduced a law that restricts gaming for under 18-year-olds to 90 minutes per day on weekdays and three hours on weekends. A "curfew" was also implemented, prohibiting gameplay from 10 pm to 8 am. In 2021, the regulations were further tightened, restricting playtime to just 8 pm to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. In 2023, China expanded this regulatory framework to include livestreaming platforms, video-sharing sites, and social media, requiring them to build and complete "systems for preventing addiction."Leading game companies in China are implementing various compliance mechanisms to ensure adherence to these regulations. Some games have incorporated age-verification systems, requesting players to provide their real name and ID for age confirmation. Some have even introduced facial recognition to ensure minors' compliance. However, these measures have also sparked privacy concerns.

Enforcement Challenges and Ethical Issues in China

Despite China's strict rules, many young players find ways to circumvent them. A recent study revealed that more than 77% of minors surveyed evaded real-name verification by registering accounts under the names of older relatives or friends. Additionally, a growing black market for game accounts has emerged on Chinese commerce platforms, allowing minors to rent or buy accounts to bypass restrictions.Reports of minors successfully outsmarting facial recognition mechanisms, such as by using photos of older individuals, underscore the limits of tech-based enforcement. The regulation has also introduced unintended risks for minors, including falling victim to scams involving game account sellers. In one reported case, nearly 3,000 minors were collectively scammed out of more than 86,000 yuan (approximately A$18,500) while attempting to bypass the restrictions.These enforcement challenges and ethical issues highlight the complexity of regulating online activities and the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach.

Lessons for Australia from China's Experience

The Chinese context shows that a failure to engage meaningfully with young people's motivations to consume media can lead to them circumventing restrictions. A similar dynamic could easily emerge in Australia, undermining the impact of the government's social media ban.In the lead-up to the law being introduced, many argued that outright bans enforced through technological measures of questionable efficacy risk being both invasive and ineffective. They may also increase online risks for young people. Instead, Australian researchers and policymakers should work with platforms to build safer online environments. This can be done by using tools such as age-appropriate content filters, parental controls, and screen time management features, alongside broader safety-by-design approaches.These measures empower families while enabling young people to maintain digital social connections and engage in play. These activities are increasingly recognized as vital to children's development. A more nuanced approach fosters healthier online habits without compromising young people's privacy or freedom.