TikTok Claims Restricting Social Media for Minors Could Have Detrimental Effects

Several countries are considering blocking access to social media for minors, with Australia recently passing a law to restrict access for those under 16. But for TikTok, these measures could have a significant impact on the future, as young users may turn to more harmful behaviors and visit more dangerous websites.

According to a statement from TikTok, blocking social media for minors under 16 in Australia could lead them to conduct searches and visit “obscure” sites. While the Australian government’s intention is to prioritize the well-being and mental health of young people, TikTok’s data suggests that these restrictions may actually drive them towards more harmful content found outside of social media platforms.

TikTok believes that this move will push young users to even more hidden corners of the internet, where they can explore alternative sources of information. Additionally, users may start seeking out VPN services to bypass these restrictions and access social media platforms freely.

It’s worth noting that the Australian law does not specify which social media platforms will be affected, but it’s likely that some of the major ones will be included. Platforms that fail to limit access for minors under 16 may face daily fines.

Unsurprisingly, several social media platforms have criticized this measure, arguing that it won’t effectively reduce the impact on young users or solve underlying problems. There are also uncertainties about how the platforms will implement these new measures and what effects they will have on the industry.

As a reminder, social media platforms must implement measures to ensure that users verify their age and are not below 16, potentially using systems that involve biometric or identification data verification.

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