Fast-track decision: Australia gets social media ban for children
Australia is the first country in the world to completely ban children under 16 from using social media. This has now been decided in summary proceedings.
(Image: BearFotos/Shutterstock.com)
Australia is the first country in the world to ban children and young people under the age of 16 from accessing social networks on the internet. This was decided by both chambers of the local parliament on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. The ruling Labor Party has received support from the conservative opposition. The law is due to come into force in a year's time. The law that has now been passed is one of a total of 31 that were passed before the start of the winter break.
Fast-tracked through parliament
As the daily newspaper adds, the law now gives the government time for a trial phase. During this phase, social networks are to test age verification systems, for example using biometric data or ID documents. The results are to be evaluated in mid-2025. There was criticism of the plans due to data protection concerns, among other things. Stricter requirements to protect user information were therefore added at the last minute. The government was also accused of being too vague.
Videos by heise
The draft law presented just a few weeks ago stipulates that children should be prohibited from using social networks without exception. Even permission from parents or guardians would not change this. This would affect the short messaging service X (from Elon Musk), TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit and Instagram. The providers had recently protested against the plans and demanded more time. X boss Elon Musk has even claimed that the plans look like a backdoor to control access to the internet for everyone in Australia.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had described the effect of online networks on children as a "scourge". He emphasized that he wanted them to have a childhood. Social media, on the other hand, would "keep them away from real friends and real experiences". Critics, on the other hand, warned that the law could isolate children and young people and also exclude them from the positive aspects of social media. Independent MP Zoe Daniel said that the new legislation would not be able to mitigate the dangers of social media. The government's real aim is to give parents and voters the feeling that the government is doing something.
(mho)
