A new social media ban targeting users under 16 years old in Australia has inadvertently locked a 30-year-old dance teacher out of her business accounts. The ban, which came into effect on Wednesday, aims to reduce online harm to children but is already facing implementation challenges.
Kiera Cronk, a mother of three from Hobart, found herself unable to access her Facebook and Instagram accounts by Wednesday night. Despite attempts to verify her age, she remains locked out, raising concerns about the ban’s impact on legitimate users.
Teething Problems with the New Ban
The ban is part of a world-first initiative by Australia to protect minors from online harm. However, reports have emerged of children circumventing the restrictions by using various tricks, such as altering their appearance in photos or employing VPNs to change their location.
Ms. Cronk explained that her problems began around 9 p.m. on the first day of the ban. “It was Instagram that went first,” she recounted. “My personal one went, and then everything else just started going as well.” She attempted to verify her age by uploading documents like her driver’s license, bank card, and passport, but all were rejected.
Business Implications and Financial Concerns
Despite transferring much of her business to another platform in anticipation of the ban, Ms. Cronk continued using paid advertising on Facebook and Instagram due to its effectiveness. “I think the most dangerous thing for me wasn’t losing my social media accounts, it was losing the Meta business login,” she said, highlighting that she could no longer stop ads costing about $250 a week.
Unable to respond to inquiries generated by these ads, Ms. Cronk expressed frustration over the lack of a clear resolution. “Now these ads can keep running, but I can’t log in to stop them from running,” she added.
Seeking Solutions and Government Assistance
Ms. Cronk has been advised to engage a lawyer to verify her identity, a costly option for a small business owner and mother. “I have reached out to as many avenues as I can, but the only thing I have been told to do is actually go to a lawyer,” she said. “No-one can afford that.”
Federal MP for Franklin, Julie Collins, has been assisting Ms. Cronk in her efforts to resolve the issue. Both Ms. Collins’ office and Meta have been contacted for comment, but no resolution has been provided as of yet.
Wider Context and Future Implications
The situation highlights potential flaws in the implementation of the social media ban. Experts warn that while the intention of protecting children is commendable, the execution must ensure that legitimate users are not unjustly affected. The current scenario underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to age verification and account management.
As Australia continues to pioneer this regulatory approach, the experiences of individuals like Ms. Cronk may inform future adjustments. The government and tech companies will need to collaborate closely to refine the system and address unintended consequences.
Meanwhile, Ms. Cronk and others in similar situations await a resolution that will allow them to regain control of their digital presence without undue burden.
