American Invest Hub
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News

American Invest Hub

  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News
Business

Australia’s groundbreaking bill seeks to ban under-16s from social media

by admin November 21, 2024
November 21, 2024
Australia’s groundbreaking bill seeks to ban under-16s from social media

Australia has unveiled a bold new policy to curb social media access for children under 16, introducing some of the toughest controls globally.

A new bill proposed in parliament seeks to enforce an age-verification system, backed by fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for platforms that fail to comply.

This legislation targets major players like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, Bytedance’s TikTok, and Elon Musk’s X.

The proposed measures are part of a broader initiative to address concerns over the mental and physical health risks posed by social media to young users.

Age-verification system

Australia’s policy includes an age-verification system that may use biometrics or government-issued identification, a first of its kind globally.

The initiative stands out for its stringent measures, as it makes no exceptions for parental consent or existing accounts.

If implemented, this system will place the onus on social media companies to verify user ages and block underage access.

Platforms will be required to safeguard privacy by destroying any information collected for verification purposes.

The government believes this ensures compliance while addressing concerns about data security.

Strong bipartisan support, but opposition raises concerns

The bill has garnered support from the opposition Liberal party, while independent lawmakers and the Greens have requested more details before backing the proposal.

Although the Albanese-led Labor government is optimistic about passing the legislation, critics argue that the specifics of enforcement and the protection of user privacy need further clarity.

The law’s robust privacy provisions could make it a model for future global efforts, but its stringency may face challenges from tech companies and advocacy groups.

For now, the bipartisan support strengthens the likelihood of the bill’s passage.

No exemptions

Unlike similar policies in other countries, Australia’s proposed rules would not allow children to circumvent the ban with parental consent.

France, for example, introduced a similar policy last year for users under 15 but included a parental consent clause.

In contrast, Australia aims to establish an unequivocal age limit, setting a new standard in the global push to regulate social media use among minors.

The United States requires parental consent for data access of children under 13, but its approach lacks the enforcement power proposed in Australia’s law, which directly targets platforms for accountability.

How is Australia addressing mental health risks?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland have framed the reform as a critical step to protect children’s well-being.

Reports suggest that almost two-thirds of Australian teens aged 14 to 17 have encountered harmful content online, including depictions of drug abuse, self-harm, and suicide.

The government believes excessive social media use exacerbates mental health issues, with girls particularly affected by body image concerns and boys exposed to misogynistic content.

Rowland emphasised the social responsibility of platforms, stating that this legislation is about holding companies accountable for ensuring user safety.

Exemptions

Despite the proposed restrictions, children will still have access to vital online services, including youth mental health platforms like Headspace, educational tools such as Google Classroom, and communication platforms used for online gaming and messaging.

The government aims to strike a balance between reducing harmful social media exposure and ensuring access to essential digital resources.

Australia’s proposed social media policy could serve as a blueprint for other nations.

While several countries have initiated efforts to regulate social media for children, none have proposed measures as comprehensive as Australia’s.

By enforcing strict penalties and robust age-verification systems, the legislation demonstrates an aggressive approach to mitigating risks to young users.

Its success will depend on effective implementation and cooperation from social media companies.

The post Australia’s groundbreaking bill seeks to ban under-16s from social media appeared first on Invezz

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Opera stock price is rising: could OPRA jump 40%?
next post
Adani stocks plummet, bond offering pulled as Gautam Adani faces US bribery allegations: what’s next?

Related Posts

Meta layoffs: workers challenge Zuckerberg’s ‘low performer’ justification

February 12, 2025

Should you invest in iDEGEN after Trump’s address...

January 24, 2025

Millions flock to Bluesky post-elections amid X’s falling...

November 14, 2024

Here’s why the German DAX index is soaring...

May 26, 2025

Meta’s Orion glasses could transform the augmented reality...

September 29, 2024

Why some major artists are suddenly canceling shows,...

June 3, 2024

Toast stock has skyrocketed: could TOST surge to...

November 8, 2024

Dave & Buster’s plan to allow betting on...

May 10, 2024

John Deere to abandon Pride festival sponsorships following...

July 18, 2024

Asian markets close: Sensex falls 239 pts; Japan’s...

May 28, 2025

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest News

    • FBI raid on John Bolton’s home in Washington linked to classified documents

      August 25, 2025
    • Argentine senate deals blow to Milei’s austerity agenda with university budget boost

      August 25, 2025
    • Jackson Hole Symposium: what Powell said about economic effects of Trump’s tariffs

      August 25, 2025
    • At Jackson Hole, Fed Chair Powell signals possible cuts while warning of uncertainty

      August 25, 2025
    • Trump threatens to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook amid mortgage fraud allegations

      August 25, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (3,763)
    • Investing (2,783)
    • Latest News (2,048)
    • Politics (1,530)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: americaninvesthub.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 americaninvesthub.com | All Rights Reserved