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'Fix: Analyze failing social media ban'

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# The Failing Social Media Ban
## Introduction
I've read today that Australia's social media is failing [link](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-19/teen-social-media-ban-technology-concerns/105430458). Since it was announced, I've been skeptical of any technical way the government can actually achieve this.
## The Technical Hurdles
The only other mechanism considered by the Australian Government is some sort of “Proof of Age” API provided directly to users. This raises massive concerns about privacy and data retention sovereignty [link](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-19/teen-social-media-ban-technology-concerns/105430458).
## Why Technical Programs Fail
These technical programs were forever doomed from the start due to their high cost, broad requirements for functionality (which no social media giants are willing or able to fulfill), and lack of interest in achieving 100% recognition rates.
## Legal Framework vs. Practical Tools
It appears that it's time we call a sunk cost a sunk cost: move onto what this should have been from the beginning—a legal framework empowering parents with tools they already possess for monitoring tech use effectively [link](https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/microsoft-365/family-safety).
## Existing Effective Solutions
### Parental Controls on Devices
I personally utilize ACL lists available in my router to restrict internet access overnight. This method is effective and straightforward, as detailed here: [link](https://en.fritz.com/service/knowledge-base/dok/FRITZ-Box-7530/8_Restricting-internet-use-with-the-FRITZ-Box-parental-controls/).
### Mobile Device Management
For mobile devices like phones running Android or iOS, there are built-in parental control systems that allow parents to approve apps and manage screen time effectively. Here’s a guide for Google Family Link: [link](https://families.google/familylink/) | Apple Screen Time Guide: [link](https://support.apple.com/en-au/105121).
### Centralized Gaming Control
Central gaming computers can be managed with strict rules, ensuring that only approved content is accessible. This method keeps entertainment in check and safe for children.
## Summary
These tools provide everything a parent needs to monitor technology use within the household effectively without imposing arbitrary age limits or application lists based on external influences like government officials' whims. Anything other than broad “thou shalt not” legislation, which I’ve proven is unenforceable [link](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-19/teen-social-media-ban-technology-concerns/105430458), amounts to a waste of energy and taxpayer dollars.
# The Failing Social Media Ban I’ve been keeping an eye on Australia’s social media ban fiasco and, honestly, I’m not surprised. From day one, the technical aspects were laughable, and now the government is wasting taxpayer money on doomed solutions like facial recognition or privacy-invading APIs. Let me break down why this approach is a disaster and why we should focus on existing tools instead. ## Why Technical Solutions Are Flawed 1. **Facial Recognition Limitations**: The government’s plan relies on ML models for age verification, but these are "passable" at best. They can’t achieve the 100% accuracy required for a high-stakes program like this. Even if they could, the cost would be astronomical, and no social media giant has any incentive to invest in it. Their primary goal is profit, not compliance. 2. **Privacy Concerns**: Requiring users to share government-issued IDs (like driver’s licenses or passports) for age verification is a privacy nightmare. Imagine having your face scanned every time you log into Facebook—creepy and insecure. Storing such sensitive data opens up massive security risks. Plus, who wants their personal info stored with Big Tech? 3. **Outsourcing to Consultants**: The government is turning to small Australian consultancies, which are unlikely to have the expertise or resources needed. These firms can’t compete with the tech giants’ budgets and talent pools. It’s a classic case of throwing money at a problem without addressing its root causes. ## A Better Approach: Existing Tools for Parents Instead of relying on the government to solve this, parents should leverage existing tools designed for parental control. Here’s why they’re superior: 1. **Local Network Restrictions**: Use your router’s parental controls to block internet access during certain times (like overnight). For example, my FRITZ!Box allows me to restrict internet use by device or time of day. This is straightforward and doesn’t require any third-party apps. 2. **Device-Specific Tools**: - **Microsoft Family Safety**: Monitors app usage, limits screen time, and blocks inappropriate content. - **Nintendo Parental Controls**: Ensures kids can only access approved games and content on Nintendo devices. - **Google Family Link**: Provides visibility into your child’s activity and allows you to approve apps and websites. 3. **Smartphone Management**: For Android phones, use Google’s Family Link or Apple’s Screen Time (via Settings > Screen Time). These tools let parents set app limits, block specific content, and monitor usage without invasive facial recognition. 4. **Content Filtering**: Tools like Net Nanny or Kaspersky Safe Kids can filter websites and apps based on age or category. They’re effective at blocking inappropriate content without relying on arbitrary age thresholds. ## Why Existing Tools Are Superior - **Flexibility**: These tools allow parents to tailor restrictions to their child’s needs, unlike one-size-fits-all legislation. - **No Privacy Trade-offs**: Unlike government-mandated ID checks, these tools keep personal data in your hands. - **Enforcement Without Regulation**: By using parental controls, you don’t need laws to enforce rules; the tools themselves do it automatically. ## Real-Life Implementation I’ve been using a combination of router-based restrictions and device-specific apps. For example: - At night, my kids’ devices are restricted via the FRITZ!Box’s parental controls. - During school hours, their laptops have strict content filters (via Microsoft Family Safety). - On weekends, I lift some restrictions but keep an eye on their activity through Google Family Link. This approach works because it’s proactive and adaptable. If a new app emerges that slips past the filters, I can adjust settings in real-time without waiting for legislation to catch up. ## Conclusion The social media ban is a sunk cost; instead of chasing unworkable technical solutions, parents should embrace existing tools. These empower us to make informed decisions about our children’s digital lives without sacrificing privacy or flexibility. It’s time to stop relying on the government and start taking control ourselves. After all, no one knows your child better than you do—so use the tools at your disposal to guide them safely through the digital world.