Summary
The Australian government, with support from both of its major parties, could pass restrictions on the online services of platforms likePlayStationand Xbox. Anthony Albanese has been the leader of the Labor Party since 2019 and became prime minister of Australia in 2022. In recent history, he has sought to impose heavy restrictions on the use of social media for users under the age of 16.PlayStationand Xbox don’t appear or function like traditional social media platforms, but they do offer services that could be caught up in the government’s new rules.
This isn’t the first time the administration has passed rules with consequences for the gaming industry.Australia famously imposed restrictions on loot boxes in 2023. While the powers that be directly targeted developers and publishers in 2023, the current proposals have taken aim at social media. Gaming platforms don’t share many elements with social media giants like Facebook or Twitter. However, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, and online titles likeRobloxandFortnitedo enable users of all ages to interact with one another through messaging, voice chat, and gaming. With millions of users in many different demographics all over the world, their ability to connect people is at the very heart of their existence.
As reported by Press Start, the Australian government’s broad definition includes platforms where “the sole or primary purpose of the service is to enable online social interaction between two or more end-users.” With both major parties supporting the restrictions, these new rules could pass in 2024 and be implemented as soon as 2025. Australia isn’t the only country taking aim at social media platforms.The United States is currently in the process of banning TikTok.
Only Platforms Like Xbox and PlayStation Would Be Held Accountable
It is important to note that the ban only applies to users under the age of 16. The new guidelines wouldn’t outright ban the platforms in Australia. The onus of enforcing these new rules would be on the companies, not the people using the platform. Children who find a way to use the platform anyway won’t face any penalty, which is good news for teens looking toplay the newest season ofFortnite. Companies who don’t comply with the new restrictions can be fined, but the fines themselves amount to less than $1 million Australian dollars per year.
Fortunately, the Australian government seems as if it’s embarking on a ban that feels more performative than punishing. Multi-billion dollar companies are unlikely to flinch or even go to court over fines that amount to less than $1 million Australian dollars a year. It’s unlikely that this kind of ban will stop a teenager from claiming thelatest battle pass inCall of Duty. It’s hard to say what the Australian government is trying to accomplish outside of optics, but gamers will likely make it out of this predicament unscathed.
