Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 which came into force on December 10thhas sparked a heated debate about its actual effectiveness. Gabriel Zurdoa Latin American reference on technological risks, warns that although it is a “fundamental” measure, Young people could end up migrating to much darker and more dangerous digital spaces as Instagram or TikTok.
“There are a number of platforms that clearly will do this bypassesPlatforms that will be ignored by parents and that lack controls and authentication measures and will be accessible across borders,” he explains Infobae Zurdo, CEO of leading cybersecurity consulting firm BTR Consulting.
The concern is shared by the Julie Inman GrantAustralia’s national eSafety commissioner, who warned in June that “if age-based restrictions are introduced, Some young people access social networks secretlywithout adequate protection and more likely to use less regulated non-conventional services.”
Australia is the first country in the world to introduce a restriction of this caliber and is threatening to do so Fines of up to $32 million on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X and Reddit. Meta began deleting accounts of Australian teenagers back on December 4th. Reddit, on the other hand, legalized the measure.
Daniel ArgusDirector of the Digital Media Research Center at the Queensland University of Technology called this Decision as “reckless” on LinkedIn and argues that “Just build a door at the entrance instead of improving what’s on the other sideIn addition, he noted that the ban relieves social media companies “of the obligation to carry out the necessary reforms to the quality of the content on their platforms.”
Major technology companies have protested, claiming there are insurmountable technical difficulties in verifying age.but Zurdo doesn’t believe it. “There are concrete measures to implement itThat’s what China and other industries do when it comes to identity authentication. This requires investment, maintenance, monitoring and training.”Sentence.
The Argentine expert cites as an example flocka surveillance platform used in some US states that monitors school devices using artificial intelligence to detect keywords related to self-harm, violence or bullying. “It is a widespread discussion, but in several jurisdictions it is protected by law by reserving the safety of minors,” he argues about it Dilemma between privacy and child protection.
The strongest criticism comes from those affected themselves. Satara UthayakumaranAustralia’s youth representative to the United Nations, coordinated a nationwide consultation with 5,000 young people, brought together in a devastating report. “We hear again and again that social networks are a lifeline for many young people”he explained.
The report notes that social networks are not an expendable pastime for youth in rural, Indigenous, LGTBIQ+, disabled or foster care communities, but rather an essential support infrastructure. “A queer boy from a remote area told us that the only community that accepts him for who he is is online. Without that, you remain completely isolated.”Uthayakumaran said.
Unicef Australia also joined the criticism: “The proposed changes will not solve the problems young people face online.”
Zurdo warns against this Many adolescents already move in spaces where neither parents nor supervisory authorities have any influence. “Platforms like 4Chan, 8Chan either Gave They have established themselves as forums in which white supremacists are radicalized. “At least three white supremacist terrorists posted their manifestos on 8chan,” he recalls. “The platform is increasingly reporting on this “Need for surveillance and surveillance by US authorities and more and more countries.”
The expert mentions emerging threats like Network “764”.identified as a group of Nihilistic violent extremism which combines child sexual exploitation, psychological manipulation, incitement to self-harm and digital blackmail dynamics.
Initial data from Australia seems to confirm these fears: on the same day that the restrictions came into force, less well-known applications such as Lemon8 And Yope They rose rapidly in the download charts. Nobody is affected by the ban.
For Zurdo, the solution requires more than just bans. “The main responsibility begins at home and in the family.r, then the platforms must take action on this matter. “The minors themselves say the tech industry is doing very little to ensure their safety.”he emphasizes.
The data is alarming: 65% of parents give screens to their children between the ages of 4 and 5and in Argentina, one in four children spends more than six hours a day online.
“Awareness and education are necessary. An isolated measure does not make sense; it is an evolutionary process that has only just begun in Australia. If we don’t regulate, don’t control, don’t moderate, the risks only increase“, he thinks.
Regarding Latin America, Zurdo is blunt: “We are in diapers. There is a moral and ethical deficit, economic difficulties and a lack of values to protect for the most precious thing we have, our children.”
The Australian measure will be closely monitored. Spain, Malaysia, Denmark and Norway have already announced similar intentions. The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albaneseis clear: “The global community is watching Australia”. You will have answers soon.
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