Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the responsibility of social media companies to ensure children's safety. This statement came after the nation’s parliament passed a bill banning users under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
After intense nationwide debate, Australia approved a social media ban for children on November 28th. The move sets a global precedent with some of the world’s strictest regulations targeting Big Tech.
Bill Passed in Australian Parliament
The bill was approved during a procedural hearing held on November 29th in the lower house of parliament. It was fast-tracked through the legislative process during the final week of the year, despite objections from politicians and social media companies who argued it hadn’t been thoroughly reviewed.
At a press conference, Prime Minister Albanese stated, "Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them. Our goal is to ensure that parents can have a different conversation today and in the future."
Strict Measures for Social Media
Under the new law, tech giants like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Meta Platforms (META.O) must prevent minors under 16 from logging in. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million).
The prohibition will take effect in a year, following a trial of enforcement strategies set to begin in January.
Albanese Defends Fast-Tracking the Bill
Albanese justified passing the measure before the age verification trial was complete. "We are making it very evident what we intend to do here," he said.
Challenges in Enforcement
Albanese acknowledged potential difficulties, stating, "The law is clear and explicit. While we acknowledge that it is the right thing to do, we do not claim that its execution will be flawless. Similarly, the prohibition on alcohol for those under the age of 18 does not guarantee that they will never have access to it."
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