CANBERRA, Australia (Kashmir English): Social media platform Snapchat has started asking Australians teens to verify their ages, a company spokesperson said, just weeks before the government enforces sweeping laws barring under-16s from social media.
From December 10, Australia will compel social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, to remove users under the 16 years of age or face hefty fines.
“Starting this week, the company will ask users to verify their age to continue accessing Snapchat.
The messaging app said users will be able to do so using government-issued identification, Australian bank account, or by taking a photo of their face which a third party will then use to provide an estimated age range.
From December 10, underage users will have their accounts locked.
Other social media platforms
Snapchat, like other social media forums, has advised teen users to download their data as early as possible as it may be tricky to do so once the ban starts.
Snapchat said it strongly disagreed with being forced but “we will comply, as we do with all local laws in countries in which we operate”.
“However, disconnecting teens from their friends and family doesn’t make them safer — it may push them to less safe, less private messaging apps,” it warned.
So far, 10 social media platforms including WhatsApp, Discord, Lego Play and Pinterest have avoided being included in the landmark legislation.
But the authorities have reserved the right to update the list of banned platforms as required.
Christopher Luxon, New Zealand’s Prime Minister will introduce a similar bill to restrict children’s social media use amid debate whether Australia’s sweeping restrictions can work.
