Category: Discussion

Social Media Minimum Age

11/2/2026

🤔 What is the Debate?

The law has sparked significant global discussion:

Government/Supporters' View: The law is necessary to protect young Australians from harmful content, online predators, excessive screen time, and mental health risks associated with certain platform design features.
Critics' View (including some young people, tech companies, and experts): They argue the law is "rushed," may not effectively improve safety, and could push young users to un-regulated corners of the internet (using VPNs or lying about their age). They also raise concerns about the impact on digital rights and the potential for greater privacy intrusion due to increased age verification data collection.

This new law, called the Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA), is a significant change to the online landscape for young Australians.

Here is a breakdown of the key information:

📅 Key Details of the New Law

Effective Date: December 10, 2025.
Minimum Age: The new minimum age for accounts on age-restricted social media platforms is 16 years old.
The Onus is on Platforms: The law places the responsibility on the age-restricted social media platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping an account.
No Penalties for Users/Parents: Children under 16 or their parents/carers will not face fines or penalties for using these platforms; the penalties are directed at the platforms themselves. Fines for non-compliance can be up to $49.5 million.

📱 Which Platforms Are Affected?

The minimum age requirement applies to what the law defines as 'age-restricted social media platforms'. These currently include major services such as:

Facebook
Instagram
Snapchat
TikTok
X (formerly Twitter)
YouTube
Threads
Reddit
Kick
Twitch

Excluded Services:

Services that are currently excluded from the minimum age obligation because their sole or primary purpose is different include:

Messaging (like WhatsApp, Discord and Messenger)
Online games (like Roblox and Steam)
Educational or health services (like Google Classroom)
Professional networking (LinkedIn)
GitHub
Pinterest
YouTube Kids

🔎 How Will Age Be Verified?

The eSafety Commissioner has not mandated a single method, but platforms must use "age assurance" methods to verify a user's age and must offer a reasonable alternative to using government-issued ID.

Age assurance methods being used or considered include:

Checking the age associated with a user's Google or other linked account.
Using a video selfie or facial age estimation technology.
Providing government-issued ID (but this must be an optional choice, not mandatory).
Inferred age based on other data or signals.

Some platforms, like Meta (Facebook/Instagram/Threads) have already begun deactivating or asking suspected underage users to verify their age using a third-party service like Yoti. YouTube has announced it will sign out all Australian users under 16 from December 10, meaning they will lose account-based features like subscriptions and playlists.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How Parents and Young People Can Prepare

The eSafety Commissioner and other youth services recommend focusing on open communication and planning alternative ways to connect before the December 10, 2025 deadline.

1. Have Open and Honest Conversations

Explain the 'Why': Talk to your child about why the law is changing (e.g., protection from harmful content, excessive screen time, and mental health risks), emphasizing that the rules are about protection, not punishment.
Listen to Concerns: Validate their feelings if they are worried about losing contact with friends or missing out. Being empathetic helps build trust.
Map Their Digital World: Work together to list all their social media accounts on the restricted platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) and identify the groups, communities, and friends they primarily connect with.

2. Secure and Download Content

Back Up Data: For any accounts that will be deactivated (especially if your child is under 16), ensure they download any content they wish to keep, such as photos, videos, messages, and uploaded files. Platforms are generally not required to keep this content.
Know the Platform's Plan: While platforms are not required to delete accounts, some (like YouTube) have stated they will sign out/deactivate accounts for under-16s but will hold their data until they turn 16. It is still safest to download content.

3. Plan for Alternatives

Alternative Communication: Help your child exchange contact information (phone numbers, email, Gamertags) with close friends before December 10.
Move Group Chats: Shift group chats with friends to non-age-restricted messaging apps like WhatsApp or to platforms focused on gaming like Discord (while still monitoring age-appropriate usage).
Explore Safe Digital Spaces: Discuss alternative, age-appropriate platforms that focus on their interests, such as:
- Messaging apps (Messenger, WhatsApp)
- Online games/communities (Roblox, Steam, etc.)
- YouTube Kids
- Educational/Health Services (Headspace, Kids Helpline)

4. Focus on Digital Literacy

Practice Scenarios: Talk through what they should do if they encounter harmful content on other parts of the internet or messaging apps, such as cyberbullying or explicit material.
Model Good Habits: As a parent, demonstrate balanced and conscious use of technology and talk openly about how you handle online conflicts or limit your own screen time.

The eSafety Commissioner has released resources specifically for parents and young people to help navigate this change, which can be a valuable guide.

Address the Loophole (Lying About Age)

Be ready to discuss the risk of using VPNs or lying about their age, as many young people and experts predict this will happen.

Focus on the Privacy Risk: Instead of a threat, focus on the consequences that affect them. Explain that lying about their age means the platforms view them as an adult, and they lose the child protection measures the platforms do have in place.
Data Security: Explain that if they use an unverified method or a third-party service to circumvent the age check, they might be exposing their phone number, ID, or biometric data (like a face scan) to groups that aren't properly regulated.

Ep352

Image created by AI

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Google Photos My Week

23/7/2024

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This is cool!

Google Photos is testing a new feature called My Week, allowing you to share a curated album of your weekly highlights with select friends and family. My Week offers a glimpse into a future where Google Photos becomes more social. It lets you share your week's adventures with loved ones in a private and controlled way.

What it Does:

Create a private, weekly photo album showcasing your best moments.
Share the album with select contacts through a unique link.
Invitees can view and comment on your photos (optional).

How it Works (if you get invited):

Get Invited: You'll need an invite link to access My Week. This feature is currently in limited beta testing.
Introducing My Week: Look for a tile with this name in the Photos menu.
Curate Your Week: Choose the photos you want to share from the past week (automatic date grouping).
Add Captions (Optional): Personalise your photos with captions.
Save and Share: Save the album and invite specific contacts through a shareable link.

Managing My Week:

Comments & Likes (Optional): Control if viewers can leave comments and likes on your album.

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Amazon Prime Day 2024

16/7/2024

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6 days from 16-21 July get great deals at Amazon Prime Online. Visit amazon.com.au/primeday

5 Top Tips for Aussie Members

Unlock the full potential of your Amazon Prime membership in Australia! Whether you're a seasoned shopper or a curious newcomer, these tips will help you maximise your benefits:

1. Dive into Prime: New to Prime? Enjoy a 30-DAY FREE TRIAL at https://www.amazon.com.au/prime. After the trial, choose the plan that suits you: A$9.99 monthly or A$79 for a year of savings and entertainment.
2. App it Up: Download the Amazon app for mobile shopping bliss. Browse millions of items, track orders in real-time, and even get alerts when your wishlist items go on sale!
3. Wish Upon a List: Create an Amazon Wishlist to organise your shopping needs. Turn on deal notifications to get alerts when wishlist items drop in price, ensuring you never miss a bargain.
4. Alexa to the Rescue: Let Alexa be your shopping sidekick! Simply say "Alexa, start a Prime Day list" to create a dedicated list for the big sale.
5. Voice-Activated Shopping: Hear about hot Prime Day deals with "Alexa, what are my deals?". Need something specific? Ask Alexa to add it to your cart! Plus, track your deliveries with "Alexa, where's my stuff?" for ultimate peace of mind.
Prime your shopping in Australia with these tips and get ready to enjoy the best of Amazon!
**Use google to search “Prime Deals” and see what people are talking about

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Is Sharing Really Caring?

15/7/2024

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Sharing is Caring, But is it Scaring? The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Transparency in Relationships
Love and trust are the cornerstones of any relationship, but in the digital age, the line between openness and oversharing can be blurry. A recent study by Malwarebytes reveals some surprising statistics about how couples navigate the world of shared passwords, location tracking, and online access.
While sharing seems to be the norm, with 100% of respondents admitting to sharing some form of digital access with their partner, a significant portion (31%) harbours concerns about constant monitoring. The pressure to be completely transparent can be immense, with 40% fearing their partner's disapproval if they request boundaries.

The study, titled "What's mine is yours: How couples share an all-access pass to their digital lives," surveyed 500 people in committed relationships in the US. Here are some key takeaways:

Sharing is Extensive: Partners share logins for an average of 12 accounts, with nearly half sharing personal email logins.
Regret is Real: While sharing seems common, 30% of partners regret sharing location data, and 18% regret account access. Notably, men are more likely to regret sharing account access (30%).
The Dark Side of Sharing: 29% of respondents reported an ex using their shared accounts to track them, impersonate them online, or access finances. This risk is particularly high for Gen Z and Millennials (around one-third).

However, the study isn't all doom and gloom. It highlights a growing awareness of the need for healthy digital boundaries in relationships. Over 70% of respondents expressed a desire for guidance on navigating "digital cohabitation."
Malwarebytes recognizes this need and has launched a new online resource hub: "Modern Love in the Digital Age." This portal offers valuable information on topics like location sharing with partners, car location tracking challenges, and online harassment protection.
The study serves as a wake-up call for couples in the digital age. Open communication and clear boundaries are crucial for fostering trust and maintaining healthy digital habits within a relationship.

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Streaming Services Dive Deep with Sports Docs!

16/2/2024

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Forget just watching the game - streaming services are going all-in on sports documentaries! Dive into the pressure cooker of professional sports, witness the personal journeys of iconic athletes, and relive legendary moments (and maybe some meltdowns!). ⚾️⚽️ From Netflix's Red Sox doc to Apple TV+'s Messi exposé, there's a story for every fan waiting to be discovered. Buckle up, grab your jersey (or PJs!), and get ready to go deeper than ever before!

Streaming services are shifting gears, moving beyond scripted dramas to offer captivating sports documentaries. These insightful productions offer unprecedented access, revealing the stories behind iconic athletes, legendary teams, and thrilling moments.
Netflix Leads the Charge: Remember the groundbreaking "Last Chance U"? The platform continues to innovate with popular shows like "Drive to Survive" and "The Last Dance." Upcoming projects include a docuseries following the Boston Red Sox and another featuring NBA stars like LeBron James and Jimmy Butler.
Apple TV Plus Joins the Arena: The Messi phenomenon extends to streaming! Apple partners with MLS for a docu series similar to Netflix's F1 hit, offering an insider's view of the league. Additionally, a series focused solely on Messi's move to Miami promises exclusive insights. Further expanding their sports coverage, Apple is developing a docu series dedicated to Major League Soccer.
Other Contenders in the Race: Paramount Plus joins the competition with a series spotlighting IndyCar drivers. HBO Sports delves into the life and career of golf legend Tiger Woods in a two-part documentary. Amazon Prime Video enters the field with motorsports shows following the McLaren Formula One team and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
What Does This Mean for You? Sports fans, rejoice! With a diverse range of docuseries in development, you'll gain exclusive access to the narratives shaping your favourite athletes, teams, and moments. From the intense world of professional sports to the personal journeys of superstars, there's something for every fan seeking deeper understanding and connection.
So, settle in, choose your platform, and prepare to be informed and entertained! The world of sports documentaries is offering a front-row seat to the stories that fuel your passion.

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Social Media Minimum Age

Google Photos My Week

Amazon Prime Day 2024

Is Sharing Really Caring?

Streaming Services Dive Deep with Sports Docs!

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