Melbourne, 10 September 2024 (TDI): In an effort to get teens off their computers and “onto the footy fields,” Australia’s prime minister announced on Tuesday that the country will outlaw children’s use of social media, with a minimum age limit of 16.
Anthony Albanese indicated that this year, federal legislation to prevent kids from using social media will be introduced, calling the sites’ negative effects on youth a “scourge.”
Although it hasn’t been determined, Albanese stated that minors should be at least 14 or 16 years old to use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Speaking personally, the prime minister stated that he would prefer to block individuals who are younger than 16.
The center-left leader stated that age verification trials will take place in the upcoming months, but experts questioned whether it would be technically feasible to impose an age restriction on the internet.
Albanese stated, “I want to see youngsters away from their electronics and onto the tennis courts, swimming pools, and football fields.”
“It is a plague. We are aware that the struggles that many young people have faced have an impact on their mental health,” he stated.
Peter Dutton, the head of Australia’s conservative opposition, declared he would back the age limit the government had suggested.
However, Toby Murray, an associate professor of computing and information technology at the University of Melbourne, questioned whether there was enough technology in place to consistently enforce such prohibitions.
He stated, “We already know that the age verification techniques used today are unreliable, too simple to exploit, or compromise user privacy.”
A limit on age might not, in any event, assist problematic kids, analysts said.
Also read: TikTok Sued For “Massive” Violation Of Children’s Secrecy
Regarding online bullying and the ease with which dangerous material might be accessed through social media, the prime minister stated that parents expected a reaction.
He said in an interview on the radio that these social media corporations believe they are better than everyone else.
“They do, however, currently not fulfill their social responsibility. And we’re committed to ensure that they do.”
With its internet safety watchdog clashing with Elon Musk’s X over the content it hosts, Australia has been leading the way in worldwide efforts to regulate social media sites.
