Australia proposes banning children under 16 from social media: Why
What's the story
The Australian government has introduced a bill to ban kids under 16 from using social media platforms like X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The legislation, introduced by the center-left government, also includes fines of up to AUD49.5 million for platforms that breach these rules. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the reform "landmark," stressing its message to social media companies to enhance safety measures.
Verification debate
Age verification system and privacy concerns
The bill proposes an age-verification system, possibly involving biometrics or government ID. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said platforms would be responsible for implementing age-verification protections within a year of the law's enactment. However, this proposal has sparked a debate among experts and activists over its effectiveness and potential privacy implications.
Age limit critique
Experts question effectiveness of proposed age limit
Over 140 technology and child welfare experts have slammed the proposed age limit as ineffective in tackling risks posed by social media use. Leo Puglisi, a 17-year-old student and founder of 6 News Australia, argued that lawmakers don't understand social media's role in young people's lives. Meanwhile, cyber safety campaigner Sonya Ryan supports the age limit due to personal tragedy involving an online predator.
International comparison
Australia's approach differs from other countries
Australia's move to safeguard minors on social media stands in stark contrast to other nations such as France and the United States, which have looser rules with parental consent. The Australian government is also looking into preventing minors from accessing online pornography using technologies for age estimation and inference. However, Tony Allen, CEO of the Age Check Certification Scheme, admitted that no method is 100% accurate in verifying users' ages.