South Australia is considering implementing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 14, sparking an interesting side effect – a significant increase in VPN searches on Google Trends. This development indicates that as regulatory measures are discussed, individuals are already exploring ways to circumvent potential restrictions.
Why Does SA Want to Enforce a Ban?
The initiative, led by Premier Peter Malinauskas, aims to address growing concerns about the negative impacts of social media on the mental health and development of children. The Premier stated, “We are seeing mounting evidence from experts of the adverse impact of social media on children, their mental health and development.”
The proposal also aims to tackle issues related to addictive algorithms and exposure to cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
What Would the Ban Look Like?
If enacted, the policy would prevent children under 14 from holding social media accounts – a first in Australia. Meanwhile, those aged 14 and 15 would need parental consent to sign up or continue using social media platforms.
The review, conducted by former High Court chief justice Robert French, is tasked with outlining the legal, regulatory, and technological approaches to enforce such a ban.
Enforcement Challenges and VPN Usage
Enforcing a social media ban presents considerable challenges, particularly in terms of jurisdiction and technology. Premier Malinauskas acknowledged potential hurdles, suggesting that if state efforts are unfeasible, it might lead to federal intervention.
Joanne Orlando, an expert from Western Sydney University, emphasized the practical difficulties, stating, “They [teenagers] are very savvy when it comes to technology.” Meanwhile, the discussion about the ban has led to a noticeable rise in VPN searches on Google Trends.
“Social media ban” and “PureVPN” searches in Australia (Source: Google Trends)
There is a notable correlation between spikes in searches for “social media ban” and subsequent increases in searches for “PureVPN” in Australia within a specific timeframe.
The recurring spikes in search terms, peaking simultaneously within a span of a few hours, indicates that as users become aware of potential or implemented limits to social media, they turn to VPN services such as PureVPN to circumvent these bans.
In addition, the PureVPN website has also seen a significant uptick in traffic coming from Australia while the PureVPN app installs have seen an uptick of 25% on 11th May 2024, highlighting a growing demand for VPN services in the country.
Final Word
The conversation around social media’s influence on youth is complex. About 30% of Australian parents and carers believe social media profoundly affects their children’s well-being. However, many believe that limiting teenagers’ access to social media would merely delay addressing the challenges associated with social media use until they are older.
As South Australia moves forward with its proposed restrictions, the parallel increase in VPN searches reflects a broader dialogue about digital privacy and access. Furthermore, it suggests that while governments can set boundaries, technology will continue to offer pathways for resistance and adaptation.
Anas Hasan
May 14, 2024
1 year ago
