(Reuters, Sydney) Australia's ban on social media use by children under 16 will take effect on December 10, prompting some content creators to fear a loss of traffic and plan to relocate overseas.
This Australian ban, the first of its kind globally, requires companies to ban the accounts of millions of users under the age limit and imposes fines of up to AU$49.5 million (approximately S$42 million) for "systematic violations."
The Australian social media industry is estimated to generate AU$9 billion in annual revenue. Social media professionals interviewed believe the ban could lead to a decrease in advertisers and viewership.
Griffith University social media researcher Grantham points out that YouTube creators may be the hardest hit. "If a blanket ban results in all accounts disappearing, the influencer economy will suffer an instant blow."
YouTube influencer Jordan Barclay, born and raised in Australia, founded a AU$50 million gaming content production company at the age of 23 and boasts 23 million subscribers.
Further Reading
Barkley's clients are worried about the potential impact of the ban, and sponsorship interest has noticeably declined. He is considering leaving Melbourne and moving overseas, with the United States being one option due to its more favorable legal environment and government support.
Abidin, director of the Influencer Ethnography Lab, points out that the career prospects for content creators featuring children under 16 are particularly worrying.
Dimi Heryxlim, the 15-year-old owner of the House of Lim food stall in Sydney's western suburbs, has gained followers and attracted customers by posting videos of his daily routine of cleaning the kitchen after school.
He worries that losing his TikTok and Instagram accounts will affect his business, but plans to return to the platforms as soon as he turns 16.
