Published26. November 2024, 07:53
Australia: Banning access to social media for under-16s is “hasty”
Australia’s bill to ban under-16s’ access to social media is a “hasty” decision, several platforms denounced on Tuesday.
Australia’s bill to ban under-16s’ access to social media is a “hasty” decision, several platforms denounced on Tuesday, expressing “serious concerns” about potential “unintended consequences.” This pioneering legislation, promoted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, would force platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to take steps to prevent under-16s from accessing them.
AFP
Failure to comply with this obligation would result in fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (31 million euros). X raised “serious concerns” that the ban would “have a negative impact” on children, adding that it violated their “rights to freedom of expression and access to information” .
“It would take more time for this bill to be well designed”
Elon Musk’s social network added, in this document submitted to the Australian Parliament, that the law was “vague” and “very problematic”, and that there was “no evidence” that it would work. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the ban would “fail” in its current form because stakeholders were not sufficiently consulted.
“It would take more time for this bill to be well designed,” she added. TikTok, for its part, has raised concerns about the privacy provisions, including that they overlap and contradict other legislation, and the limited time allowed to consult with stakeholders.
“Its hasty adoption presents a serious risk of unforeseen consequences,” details the application owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Certain platforms, such as YouTube, will benefit from exemptions. Messaging services, such as WhatsApp, and online games should also be exempt from the ban.
(afp)
What are the potential consequences of Australia’s social media ban on minors for young Australians who rely on these platforms for communication, education, and access to information?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Australia’s Social Media Ban for Minors
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News! Today, we’re diving into the controversial new legislation in Australia aiming to ban social media access for users under 16. Joining us to discuss the ramifications and potential consequences are [Guest 1 Name], a leading expert in digital child safety and [Guest 2 Name], representing a renowned digital rights advocacy group.
**Section 1: The Rationale Behind the Ban:**
* Prime Minister Albanese has stated this bill aims to protect young Australians from the perceived harms of social media. What are some of the specific concerns driving this legislation? Do you believe these concerns are valid, and are they unique to Australia?
* What evidence supports the notion that banning access for under-16s will effectively mitigate these harms? Are there alternative solutions that could address these concerns without restricting access entirely?
**Section 2: Industry Response and Implications:**
* Major social media platforms like X, Meta, and TikTok have expressed “serious concerns” about the bill. What are these specific concerns, and why do they believe the bill is “hasty” and potentially ineffective?
* How might this ban impact the Australian tech landscape? Could it set a precedent for other countries to follow suit, leading to a fragmented global internet?
* What are the potential consequences for young Australians who rely on social media for communication, education, and access to information?
**Section 3: Balancing Safety and Freedom:**
* Both the government and social media platforms aim to protect children. How can we strike a balance between safeguarding young users and respecting their right to freedom of expression and access to information?
* Is age verification a viable solution for social media platforms, and what are its potential pitfalls?
* What role should parents and educators play in guiding young people’s responsible online engagement?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead and Finding Solutions:**
* What are some potential compromises or amendments that could address the concerns raised by various stakeholders?
* How can open dialog and collaboration between policymakers, tech experts, and advocates for digital rights lead to more effective solutions for online safety?
* What advice would you give to young Australians who are concerned about the potential impact of this ban on their lives?
**Conclusion:**
This is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. Thank you to all our guests for sharing their valuable insights. We hope this discussion has shed light on the different perspectives surrounding this important debate. We encourage our viewers to engage in informed conversations and contribute their own views on this topic.
