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Decision taken in urgent process: Ban on social media for children in Australia

28/11/2024

Australia is the first country in the world to ban children and youth under 16 from accessing online social networks. Both houses of the local parliament took this decision on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, Sydney Morning Herald reportThe ruling Labor Party has received support from the conservative opposition. This law is going to be implemented in one year. The legislation passed now is one of a total of 31 that were passed before the winter break began.

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In expedited process through Parliament

As stated in the daily newspaper, the law now gives time to the government for the testing phase. Social networks should try systems for age verification, for example using biometric data or identity documents. The results should be evaluated in mid-2025. The plans also came under criticism due to, among other things, data security concerns. At the last minute, strict requirements were added to protect users’ information. The government was also accused of having too vague guidelines.

The bill, which was introduced just a few weeks ago, stipulates that children should be banned from using social networks without exception. Even the permission of a parent or guardian will not change this. Short messaging service X (from Elon Musk), TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Instagram will be affected. Providers recently protested the plans and asked for more time. Ex-boss Elon Musk has even claimed that these plans look like a backdoor way to control access to the internet for everyone in Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the impact of online networks on children as a “crisis”. He emphasized that he wanted her to have a childhood. On the other hand, social media “will keep them away from real friends and real experiences.” However, critics warned that the law could alienate children and young people and also exclude them from the positive aspects of social media. Independent MP Zoe Daniels said the new law would fail to reduce the dangers of social media. The real goal of the government is to make parents and voters feel that the government is doing something.

(mho)