Australia’s social media ban on under-16s is moving closer to becoming law after being passed in the House of Representatives.
Australia’s House of Representatives passed legislation banning it on Wednesday Access to social networks for under 16s. The bill was approved with 102 votes in favor and 13 against, and now must be finalized by the House. Senate. If approved, social media platforms will have a year to decide how to implement the rules. age restrictions before sanctions are imposed.
TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram They could be fined up to A$50 million (€30.4 million) for systematic failure to prevent children from having accounts. Opposition legislator Dan Tehan He told Parliament that the Government had agreed to amendments in the Senate that would strengthen privacy protections. Platforms will not be able to force users to present government-issued identification documents such as passports or driver’s licenses.
Platforms also may not require digital identity Through a system of government. “Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it is not. But if it helps even the slightest, it will make a huge difference in people’s lives,” he said. Tahan In front of Parliament.
Critics of social media ban on minors say it’s hasty
Loess legislators It’s not even compatible with State They, along with the opposition, were not the biggest critics of the law during debates on Tuesday and Wednesday. Among the criticisms is that the law was rushed. Parliament It doesn’t work without proper review, creates privacy risks for users of all ages, and strips parents of the power to decide what’s best for their children.
Loess critics They also argue that the ban will isolate children, deprive them of the positive aspects of social media, drag them into the dark web, and leave children at a younger age. social networks will be reluctant to report damages and will eliminate them. incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer.
independent MP Zoe Daniel He stated that the law “will not change anything when it comes to the inherent harms of social media.” The point of this law is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it. Daniel told Parliament.
“There’s a reason for this State “He boasts that this legislation is world-leading, and that’s because no other country wants to do this,” he added. Platforms, voting between legislation A government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies will be delayed until at least June next year, when it will report on how it will be carried out The ban may apply.
