Social media companies slam Australia's under-16 ban
The Hindu
Social media giants criticise Australian law banning under-16s, sparking concerns about online safety and enforcement.
Social media giants on Friday (November 29, 2024) hit out at a landmark Australian law banning them from signing up under-16s, describing it as a rush job littered with “many unanswered questions”.
The U.N. children’s charity UNICEF Australia joined the fray, warning the law was no “silver bullet” against online harm and could push kids into “covert and unregulated” spaces online.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation may not be implemented perfectly - much like existing age restrictions on alcohol - but it was “the right thing to do”.
The crackdown on sites like Facebook, Instagram and X, approved by parliament late Thursday (November 28, 2024), will lead to “better outcomes and less harm for young Australians”, he told reporters.
Platforms have a “social responsibility” to make children’s safety a priority, the prime minister said.
“We’ve got your back, is our message to Australian parents.”
Social media firms that fail to comply with the law face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).
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