澳社媒禁令：生效一月 争议仍存

Core Viewpoint - Australia has enacted the world's first social media age restriction law, aiming to prevent users under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, with penalties for non-compliance [4][12]. Group 1: Legislation and Implementation - The law, known as the 2024 Online Safety (Minimum Age for Social Media) Amendment, was passed on November 28, 2024, and will take effect on December 10, 2025 [4]. - Social media companies are required to take reasonable measures to prevent users under 16 from accessing their platforms, facing fines up to AUD 49.5 million for violations [4][5]. - Ten platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, are included in the restriction list [5]. Group 2: Compliance and Challenges - Prior to the law's enactment, some platforms began closing accounts of Australian minors, but many users found ways to bypass age verification [6][7]. - Most platforms use identification, facial, or voice recognition for age verification, but loopholes exist, allowing minors to create accounts by misreporting their age [6][8]. - Reports indicate that many minors have successfully "unlocked" their accounts, with some using creative methods to pass age verification [7]. Group 3: Reactions and Alternatives - The Australian government remains committed to the law despite criticisms and challenges from social media companies, including Reddit's lawsuit against the ban [10]. - New social media applications have emerged, gaining popularity among minors, with some explicitly stating they will enforce age restrictions [10][11]. - Gaming platforms are becoming alternative social spaces for minors who cannot access social media, raising concerns about the intertwining of gaming and social media interactions [11]. Group 4: Global Context and Future Considerations - Other countries are considering similar measures, with some U.S. states implementing their own age restrictions for social media use [13][14]. - The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of regulating social media while ensuring minors are protected from harmful content [12][14].