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# The Failing Social Media Ban # The Failing Social Media Ban
## Introduction Earlier this week, Australia's teen social media ban hit the headlines, with reports of technological hurdles and privacy concerns. As a parent and tech enthusiast, I was skeptical from the start—here’s why the government’s approach is doomed and how existing tools can better serve families.
Alright, let’s talk about the *real* issue: Australia’s Social Media Ban. It’s not about facial recognition or privacy scandals. It’s about *parents* and *tech*. The government’s trying to lock down kids’ phones, but the only way to do it is to outsource it to some tiny consultancy that can’t afford the brains to do it. And the only way to get them to do it is to *not* do it. ## 1. **Technical Failures: The Hype vs. Reality**
## The Problem - **Facial Recognition Follies**: Claims of "passable" facial aging technology ignore real-world challenges. Accuracy drops in diverse lighting, group photos, or varying device quality. For a high-stakes application like nationwide enforcement, this is laughably inadequate.
- **Proof of Age API Nightmares**: Mandating government-issued IDs for login sounds Orwellian. Who would willingly share driver’s licenses or passports? Privacy risks and data breaches are inevitable. Plus, tech giants have zero incentive to cooperate—it’s not a revenue stream.
So, the plan? A government program to ban social media for kids. The tech giants? They’re all in. But the problem is, *they can’t do it*. The government’s thinking: “We’ll use AI to detect age, and then we’ll lock it down.” But AI isn’t a *solution*—it’s a *tool*. And the tool is *not* going to be 100% accurate. The government’s thinking it’s a “tech solution,” but it’s just a *hobby* in a big tech company. The only other option? A “Proof of Age” API. But that’s a *can of worms*. The government’s thinking, “We’ll just ask for a photo of your ID,” but that’s *not* a solution. It’s a *privacy nightmare*. And the tech giants? They’re *not* going to do it. They’re *not* going to spend the money. They’re *not* going to do the work. And the government’s *not* going to fund it. So the plan is doomed from the start. ## 2. **Government Efforts Are Futile**
## The Tools I Use - **Outsourcing to Small Consultancies**: Even if the government tried, small Australian firms lack the expertise (or motivation) to handle such projects. Success is wishful thinking.
- **Arbitrary Costs and Lack of ROI**: Social media companies aren’t investing in this because there’s no profit in it. Why spend millions on recognition tech when they can focus on ads? It’s a sunk cost for taxpayers with nothing to show.
I’ve been using *existing tools* for years. No need to overcomplicate things. ## 3. **Existing Tools: The Parental Controls We Already Have**
### Parental Controls - **Router-Based Restrictions**: Use your home router to block internet access overnight (e.g., FRITZ!Box parental controls). Simple and effective.
- **Microsoft Family Safety**: Lock down devices, control app downloads, and monitor screen time with tools like Microsoft’s Family Safety.
- **Nintendo and Google Controls**: Nintendo’s parent dashboard blocks inappropriate content, while Google’s Family Link lets you approve apps and set screen limits.
- **Apple’s Screen Time**: Use iOS’s built-in features to manage device use and restrict apps.
I use the **Fritz Box** (a router with parental controls) to block internet access. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t require any government ID. ## 4. **Why Existing Tools Are Superior**
### Microsoft 365 Family Safety - **Flexibility Over Rigid Laws**: These tools let parents tailor restrictions per child, unlike age-based bans that ignore individual differences.
- **No Privacy Risks**: Unlike government-mandated ID checks, these tools are controlled by parents and don’t require sharing personal data.
- **Active Parental Involvement**: They empower families to make informed decisions, not arbitrary rules from bureaucrats.
This is the *real* tool. It allows parents to approve apps, block websites, and monitor screen time. It’s built-in, doesn’t require any tech bros, and works *perfectly*. ## 5. **Conclusion: Take Action Today**
### Nintendo Parental Controls Instead of waiting for a tech miracle or unenforceable laws, take control with existing tools. For example:
For the kids who don’t use Android, this is the *go-to*. It’s simple, effective, and blocks *everything* that’s not approved. - Lock devices at night using router settings.
- Use Microsoft Family Safety to approve apps and set screen time limits.
- Monitor content with Google’s Family Link.
### Google Family Link **Final Thought**: The government’s approach is a costly distraction. Parents already have the power; it’s time to use it. Stop waiting for a silver bullet and start using what works today.
This is the *best* tool for the kids who use iOS. It allows parents to approve apps, block websites, and monitor screen time. It’s built-in, doesn’t require any government ID, and works *perfectly*.
### Apple’s Parental Controls
Same as Google, but with a *different* interface. It’s built-in, doesn’t require any tech bros, and works *perfectly*.
### The ACL Lists
These are the *real* tools. They allow parents to block *any* app or website that’s not approved. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t require any government ID.
## Why These Tools?
These tools are *perfect* for parents. They don’t require any government ID, they don’t require any tech bros, and they don’t require any *personal data* to be stored. They allow parents to *control* what their kids can do. They don’t require any *arbitrary* age limits. They don’t require any *arbitrary* lists of apps. They *just* work.
## The Real Solution
The government’s plan is *not* a solution. It’s a *hobby*. The real solution is to *educate* parents on the *existing tools* they already have. These tools are *perfect*. They’re *effective*. They’re *safe*. The government’s plan is a *mistake*. It’s a *waste of money*. It’s a *waste of time*. It’s a *waste of energy*.
## Conclusion
The Social Media Ban is a *failure*. It’s not because of the tech. It’s because of the *people*. The government’s plan is *not* going to work. The tech giants won’t do it. The parents won’t use it. And the government won’t fund it. So, what’s the solution? *Educate parents on the tools they already have.* *Use the ACL lists.* *Use the parental controls.* *Use the family safety tools.* *Don’t rely on the government to do it.* The government’s plan is a *mistake*. The parents’ tools are *perfect*. And the *real* solution is to *use the tools* that already exist.
## Summary
These tools are *perfect*. They’re *effective*. They’re *safe*. They’re *simple*. They allow parents to *control* what their kids can do. They don’t require any government ID. They don’t require any tech bros. They don’t require any *personal data* to be stored. They’re *perfect* for parents. And the *real* solution is to *use them*. The government’s plan is a *mistake*. And the *real* solution is to *use the tools* that already exist.
## Final Thoughts
The Social Media Ban is a *failure*. It’s not because of the tech. It’s because of the *people*. The government’s plan is *not* going to work. The tech giants won’t do it. The parents won’t use it. And the government won’t fund it. So, what’s the solution? *Educate parents on the tools they already have.* *Use the ACL lists.* *Use the parental controls.* *Use the family safety tools.* *Don’t rely on the government to do it.* The government’s plan is a *mistake*. The parents’ tools are *perfect*. And the *real* solution is to *use the tools* that already exist.