Social networks: Australia has one of the strictest laws in the world banning the use of these platforms by minors under the age of 16.
image Source, getty images
- Author, hannah richie
- Author title, BBC News, Sydney
Australia will ban minors under the age of 16 from using the social network after the world’s strictest internet law was approved in Parliament.
The sanctions, which will not remain in effect for at least 12 months, include fines of up to US$32.5 million on companies if they do not comply.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the law was needed to protect young people from the “harms” of social media, a sentiment echoed by several parent groups.
However, critics say there are unanswered questions about how the veto will be implemented and What impact will this have on privacy and social engagement?,
This is not the first global effort to limit social media use to minors, but the minimum age of 16 is the narrowest limit set by any country. Unlike other efforts, the law does not provide exemptions for existing users or those with parental permission.
After passing the Senate late Thursday night by 34 votes to 19, the bill returned to the House of Representatives, where it was approved Friday morning.
Albanese later told reporters, “We want our children to have a childhood and for the parents to know that we have our back.”
image Source, getty images
Avoiding an “Easy” Ban
The law does not specify which platforms will be banned. Those decisions will later be made by Australia’s communications minister, who will consult with the Electronic Security Commissioner (eSafety), the internet regulator that enforces the rules.
However, Minister Michel Rolland noted that The ban will include Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and XGaming and messaging platforms will be exempt, as well as sites that can be accessed without opening an account, so YouTube, for example, likely won’t fall under the ban.
The government has indicated that it will rely on some age verification technologies to enforce the restrictions, and will test alternatives in the coming months. The onus will be on the social media platforms themselves to integrate those processes.
image Source, getty images
However, digital researchers warn that there is no guarantee that the technology – which has not yet been specified and may rely on biometrics or identity information – will work. Critics have also sought assurances that privacy will be protected.
He also shed light on Restrictions can be easily circumvented through tools like VPNWhich can hide the user’s location and make it appear as if they are seeking access from another country.
Minors who find ways to circumvent the law will not face punishment.
Surveys on the reforms, although limited, suggest that Have support from most parents and caregivers,
Amy Friedlander, one of the device’s advocates, told the BBC: “For a long time, parents have to struggle between giving their child an addictive device or watching their child feel isolated and marginalised. Faced with this impossible choice.” ,
“We are stuck in a normalcy that no one wants to be a part of.”
arguments against
But many experts say that Prohibition in “too crude a device” To effectively address the risks associated with social media use, and warn that it may force minors into less regulated corners of the internet.
During a brief consultation period before the bill was passed, Google and Snap criticized the legislation for not providing more details, with Meta saying the legislation would be “ineffective” and short of meeting its stated objective of better protecting children. Will fail.
In its filing, TikTok said the government’s definition of what a social media platform is is so “broad and vague” that “almost any online service could fall under it.”
X questioned the “legality” of the projectSaying this may not be compatible with international rules and human rights treaties that Australia has signed.
Some? Youth activists also accused the government of not fully understanding the role of social media in their lives.And excluded him from the debate.
“We understand that we are vulnerable to the risks and negative impacts of social media… but we must be involved in developing solutions,” the Youth Council wrote. e-securityWhich advises the regulatory body.
Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged that the debate is complex but clearly defended the bill.
“We are not arguing that its implementation will be perfect, just as banning alcohol for those under 18 does not mean that anyone under 18 will ever have access to it,” he said on Friday. “It won’t happen, but we know we’re doing the right thing.”
image Source, getty images
An example to follow?
Last year, France introduced legislation to block access to social media by children under 15 without parental permission, although studies indicate that about half of users circumvent the restriction by using a VPN. Were able to stop.
The US state of Utah had a law similar to that of Australia. It was overturned by a federal judge, who found it unconstitutional.,
Australia’s laws are being watched with great interest by leaders around the world.
Norway recently announced it would follow in that country’s footsteps, and last month Britain’s technology secretary reported that There was a similar ban “on the table”.However, he later said, “Not at the moment…”
With additional reporting by Tiffany Turnbull in Sydney
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