Key information
- LinkedIn says its platform is not interesting or engaging enough for minors, making it exempt from a proposed social media ban.
- The company says its content isn’t engaging enough for younger users, unlike other big tech companies like Meta and Google.
- LinkedIn’s stance stands out from the tech industry’s response, with the company saying its platform is simply not relevant to children.
Microsoft-owned LinkedIn argued to Australian lawmakers that its platform did not contain content likely to interest minors, making it exempt from a proposed ban on social media for people under 16 years. The company said in its presentation to the Senate committee that LinkedIn’s content is not interesting or engaging enough for younger users. This stance contrasts with that of other major tech companies such as Meta, Google, Snap Inc. and TikTok, which have challenged the bill.
The Australian government plans to introduce “cutting edge” legislation to prevent children from accessing social media platforms, citing the damage social media is inflicting on Australia’s youth. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the need for the law, saying it addressed the concerns of parents like him about their children’s online safety.
Legislative process and tech industry response
The proposed law, which amends Australia’s online safety law, has attracted the attention of international observers, with countries such as the United Kingdom saying they are ready to adopt similar measures. The Senate Committee on Environment and Communications Legislation recommended the adoption of the bill, provided that its recommendations, including the involvement of youth in the implementation process, are taken into account.
However, tech giants have expressed their displeasure with the proposed law. Google and Meta, parent company of Instagram and YouTube respectively, asked for more time to evaluate the legislation. Meta says the current form of the bill will be ineffective in reducing parents’ responsibilities in managing their children’s online safety and ignores evidence presented by child safety and mental health experts, a sentiment shared by Snapchat. X (formerly Twitter) questioned the legality of the bill’s proposals, while TikTok Australia expressed “significant concerns” over its implementation.
LinkedIn’s distinct approach
Like other platforms responding to the legislation, TikTok highlights the importance of ongoing age assurance trials, which are examining technologies that can verify users’ ages. Ella Woods-Joyce, director of public policy for TikTok Australia and New Zealand, expressed concern that fast-tracking the bill could have unintended consequences.
LinkedIn, however, took a different approach. The company claims that its platform is simply not relevant for children due to the minimum age requirement of 16 and the proactive removal of minor accounts. LinkedIn says subjecting its platform to the proposed regulations would create unnecessary barriers and costs for Australian members, making it imperative to exclude LinkedIn from the legislation.
