Young Entrepreneurs Hit Hard by Australia’s Social Media Ban

SYDNEY: Australia has enacted a significant ban on social media users under the age of 16, leaving many young entrepreneurs and creators in a precarious position. On December 10, 2023, millions of accounts belonging to users in this age group were deactivated across major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. This unprecedented move aims to enhance child safety online, but it raises concerns among young business owners who rely on social media for marketing and community engagement.

Fifteen-year-old Dimi Heryxlim operates a food stand in Burwood Chinatown, selling Indonesian-style chicken noodles and flavored puddings. To promote his business, he uses social media to share engaging vlogs, which he believes are vital for attracting customers. “We use social media these days … so many people use their phones every day for hours and hours,” Heryxlim stated. The ban, he fears, could severely impact his business by removing an essential marketing tool.

The frustration among young creators extends beyond Heryxlim. Many young entrepreneurs view social media as a critical avenue for creativity and affordable advertising. Industry experts are also monitoring the ban’s implications for Australia’s social media landscape, particularly its multi-million-dollar influencer economy and the advertising sector that supports it.

Mixed Reactions to the Ban

While the ban has been hailed as a significant step by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described it as a “proud day” for Australia, not all stakeholders agree on its merits. The legislation requires social media companies to enforce strict age verification measures, including identity checks and facial recognition technology, under the threat of hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million).

Alex Reid, co-founder of the talent management agency Amplify, noted that most advertisers do not target users under 16, suggesting that the immediate commercial impact may be limited. However, he emphasized that this ban removes a vital developmental opportunity for the next generation of digital talent. “Globally, a lot of people want to see Australian content. Taking this opportunity away from kids to be creators in 2025 seems like the wrong move,” Reid explained.

Social media has long been a platform for young Australians to engage with social issues and foster creative expression. Olympic diver Sam Fricker, while not directly affected by the ban, expressed concern that it could eliminate crucial spaces where teenagers engage with important causes. “They say the law protects young people, but I think it strips away an opportunity for young people to learn and grow,” he remarked.

Compliance and Future Challenges

The legislation has sparked a debate over its effectiveness and compliance challenges. Although children and parents will not face penalties for circumventing the ban, early survey results indicate that approximately 75 percent of youths plan to continue using social media regardless of the restrictions. Additionally, two 15-year-olds, supported by a digital rights group, are contesting the ban in the High Court, arguing that it infringes on their freedom of communication. Their case may be heard as early as February 2024.

Critics of the ban, including Tama Leaver, a professor at Curtin University, argue that the age-verification technology required by the policy is unreliable. More importantly, they contend that the ban risks sidelining young people instead of equipping them for responsible online engagement. “If we don’t do something meaningful to help young people skill up, then this will be an abject failure,” Leaver warned.

The implications of this policy extend beyond individual users. As young people navigate their online environments, they encounter both opportunities and challenges. Social media serves as a connection point for teenagers with disabilities, provides community for those in remote areas, and offers economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs like Heryxlim. Experts advocate for a shift towards fostering digital literacy rather than exclusion, emphasizing the importance of listening to the experiences and challenges faced by young people online.

The ongoing debate around Australia’s social media ban underscores the complexity of balancing child safety with the need for young individuals to engage, create, and learn in a digital-first world.