POLITICO Tech: Lawmakers Worry About Kids on Social Media. Australia Just Banned Them
Release Date: December 13, 2024
The latest episode of the POLITICO Tech podcast delves into a groundbreaking move by Australian lawmakers who have instituted the world's boldest ban on social media usage by minors under the age of 16. Hosted by Stephen Overlea, the episode features an in-depth conversation with Julie Inman Grant, Australia's E-safety Commissioner, who provides comprehensive insights into the motivations, challenges, and global implications of this unprecedented legislation.
1. Introduction to Australia’s Social Media Ban
Stephen Overlea opens the discussion by highlighting the recent legislative action in Australia—a ban preventing minors under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This measure, set to take effect a year from the episode's release, aims to mitigate the addictive nature of social media and its detrimental effects on young users' mental health.
“Late last month, Australian lawmakers banned minors under age 16 from using social media altogether. They cited its addictive properties and potential to harm mental health to make their case.”
[00:31] Stephen Overlea
2. Interview with Commissioner Julie Inman Grant
Background and Role
Julie Inman Grant, Australia's E-safety Commissioner since 2017, shares her extensive background in tech policy and regulation. Her unique position combines years of experience within tech companies and a strong commitment to online safety.
“When I joined in early 2017, it was the children's Safety commissioner. And we really started with a range of functions that used to exist across government dealing with online child safety...”
[02:38] Julie Inman Grant
Rationale Behind the Ban
Commissioner Grant explains that incremental safety improvements were deemed insufficient, prompting a decisive legislative response. The political momentum was fueled by parental concerns and significant media campaigns emphasizing child safety online.
“I think the Prime Minister felt social media is not showing the social responsibility we think they need to, that there's a social license we need to protect kids.”
[05:03] Julie Inman Grant
Implementation Challenges
Implementing the ban involves defining what constitutes social media, verifying users' ages, and ensuring compliance from tech companies. Grant emphasizes the complexity of these tasks, given the evolving nature of social platforms and their functionalities.
“Kids aren't posting to Facebook and Instagram like they were 10 years ago. There's ephemeral media like in Snap, there's short form videos...”
[05:04] Julie Inman Grant
3. Age Verification Strategies
Overcoming the inherent challenges of age verification for minors is a critical aspect of the legislation. Grant discusses various methods, including biometrics and digital IDs, while acknowledging the need for a multifaceted approach to ensure effectiveness without compromising privacy.
“It's not just a technological issue. It's an ecosystem issue. And what we've seen over the past decade and a half is that ecosystem and that industry around safety, tech, and age assurance really maturing.”
[06:20] Julie Inman Grant
4. Addressing Criticisms and Balancing Free Speech
The ban has faced criticism from social media companies citing government overreach and potential suppression of free speech. Commissioner Grant counters by highlighting that the initiative is driven by parental demand and a collective responsibility to safeguard children, ensuring that marginalized groups retain their online spaces for positive engagement.
“We're not trying to cut kids off. We still will give them the ability to be able to use messaging, apps, and online gaming...”
[08:22] Julie Inman Grant
5. International Implications and Lessons for the U.S.
Grant discusses the potential for other countries, including the United States, to emulate Australia’s approach. She underscores the importance of a unified global regulatory framework to effectively address the transnational nature of online platforms.
“I would be absolutely delighted if the US had an online safety regulator and one that really was focused on harms remediation.”
[26:38] Julie Inman Grant
6. Building a Global Online Safety Network
Recognizing the global reach of the internet, Grant has been instrumental in forming the Online Safety Regulators Network, comprising nine regulators and 18 observers. This coalition aims to achieve regulatory coherence and counteract jurisdictional arbitrage by tech giants.
“We now have nine regulators and 18 observers. But what we're Trying to achieve is a greater degree of regulatory coherence.”
[24:48] Julie Inman Grant
7. The Role of Tech Companies and Regulation
The conversation shifts to the relationship between regulators and tech companies. Grant advocates for "Safety by Design," encouraging companies to integrate safety measures into their products proactively. She reflects on her experiences working with tech giants and emphasizes the necessity of regulatory impetus to prioritize user safety over rapid innovation.
“We're trying to say this era of technological exceptionalism where tech companies are moving fast and breaking things... we need to see a little bit more will.”
[16:54] Julie Inman Grant
8. The Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies
AI presents new challenges for online safety, from deepfakes to immersive technologies like the metaverse. Grant highlights the importance of anticipatory regulation, utilizing horizon scanning to stay ahead of technological advancements and mitigate potential harms.
“We've been seeing reports in all of our schemes of deep fakes. We've taken one man to Court using our remedial powers...”
[21:17] Julie Inman Grant
9. Personal Journey to Australia
In a lighter segment, Grant shares her unexpected journey from working at Microsoft in Washington D.C. to becoming Australia's top online safety regulator, highlighting the serendipitous nature of her career path and her commitment to making a positive impact on youth online safety.
“I ended up falling in love and marrying an Australian accountant.”
[27:43] Julie Inman Grant
10. Conclusion and Future Outlook
Stephen Overlea wraps up the episode by acknowledging the pioneering nature of Australia’s social media ban and the potential ripple effects it may have globally. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding youth and preserving digital liberties, positioning Australia's efforts as a potential model for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
“That's all for today's Politico Tech. If you enjoy Politico Tech, be sure to subscribe...”
[28:29] Stephen Overlea
Key Takeaways
- Australia’s Ban: The first in the world, aiming to protect minors under 16 from the adverse effects of social media.
- Implementation: Multifaceted approach involving age verification, defining social media, and ensuring compliance.
- Global Influence: Potential blueprint for other countries, especially the U.S., to establish robust online safety regulations.
- Tech Companies: Emphasis on "Safety by Design" and the need for regulatory frameworks to incentivize safer digital environments.
- Future Challenges: Emerging technologies like AI and the metaverse present new fronts in the battle for online safety.
Notable Quotes
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“We need to make sure that we're balancing the imperatives of safety in terms of preventing children from accessing social media sites...”
[06:20] Julie Inman Grant -
“Embed the virtual seat belts and erect the digital guardrails to prevent the next tech wreck from happening.”
[11:12] Julie Inman Grant -
“There are a lot of healthy problem solving and connection that can happen in those fora too.”
[10:08] Julie Inman Grant
This episode serves as an essential guide for policymakers, educators, parents, and tech industry stakeholders interested in the evolving landscape of online safety for youth. Australia's assertive legislative action represents a significant step towards redefining the responsibilities of tech platforms and governments in safeguarding the digital well-being of the younger generation.