Games

Online Gaming Spared from Social Media Ban Bill

Published

40 seconds ago

November 23, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

The proposed Australian ban on social media for users under the age of 16 will reportedly not be applied to onling gaming platforms like the PSN.
The controversial ban has made waves since its initial announcement, looking to restrict access from younger users to social media sites like TikTok and Instagram.
Australia has not been shy about passing laws focused on younger children in online media, previously requiring games with lootboxes to be given an “M” rating.

A new bill from the Australian government proposing a ban on social media for users under the age of 16 will reportedly not affect the PlayStation Network, according to a recent report. Social media platforms have often been a hot-button issue for government authorities, with special concern given to the potential for younger children to use the platform. Last month saw thirteen U.S. states and the District of Columbia file a joint lawsuit against TikTok, contesting the platform’s claims as being “safe for children.” Now, the Australian government is gearing up to take things a step further.

A recently proposed bill within the Australian government looks to severely impact access to social media for younger users. The bill would see users required to provide verification for their age and identity upon creating an account on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. The proposed law also made waves throughout the gaming community, with many believing the widescale restrictions would prevent younger users from accessing gaming platforms like the PSN and Xbox Live. However, a new report about the bill seems to quash these fears.

Numerous Players Report Their PlayStation Network Accounts Have Been Suspended

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As reported by PushSquare, PSN users in Australia were able to breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to a clarification made to Australia’s proposed social media ban. The ban will reportedly not apply to “online video games” as part of the restricted social media, with younger users still able to use the PSN and Xbox Live freely. The bill does lay out several other platforms affected by the ban, with sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat unable to be used by Australians under the age of 16. YouTube, however, will not be subject to the same restriction, citing the “educational value” available on the platform.

While the newly-proposed social media ban may seem extreme to some, the proposal is far from the first time Australia has stepped in on online media. Australia would join many other countries imposing new restrictions on loot boxes in gaming, with online games featuring loot boxes required to be given an “M” rating. Loot boxes have been a particular hot-button issue for their effect on younger gamers, with the European Union even vowing to take action against the prevalence of the gambling-associated mechanic.

Australia’s social media ban follows many rumors about TikTok in particular seeing bans from other regions of the world. Alongside the previously-mentioned lawsuit against TikTok, the United States has frequently made efforts to ban the platform in the country, even passing a TikTok ban bill in the House of Representatives. TikTok was also previously banned in India in 2020, alongside several other apps following disputes with China. Australia’s gamers look to be spared from the country’s recent efforts to restrict social media access for younger users.

PSN

PSN is short for PlayStation Network, an offering from Sony as part of its PlayStation console line. The service allows players to connect with one another all over the world to engage in multiplayer games. Since launch, the service has evolved to include free game offerings to subscribers.

Brand: Sony
Original Release Date: November 11, 2006
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