Social Media Ban for Children under 16: Australia has taken a big step towards banning the use of social media by children under 16 years of age. On Wednesday, this bill was passed with overwhelming support in the Parliament of Australia.
This bill, introduced by the government of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, received 102 votes in favor and only 13 votes against it. According to Reuters news, big tech companies like Google and Meta had appealed to ban it, but this law is considered to be one of the strictest rules in the world regarding social media. This bill is to be discussed in the Senate only on Wednesday and the government is aiming to pass it by the last parliamentary day of the year i.e. Thursday.
When did the ban start?
This proposal regarding the use of children on social media came when there was an emotional discussion on this issue in Parliament. Many parents testified that their children took steps like self-harm due to cyber bullying. After this this topic became a matter of serious debate.
While supporters of youth rights are describing this law as suppressing the voice of children, parents believe that children are not able to understand the internet world safely at such a young age.
Teenagers have also expressed their concerns. They say that banning social media is not a solution to the problems and it will eliminate their ways of staying connected with friends and family.
What will happen after the ban is implemented?
Prime Minister Albanese has gathered support for this law by highlighting the dangers that excessive use of social media poses to children’s physical and mental health. They believe that this step can create a positive environment in their favor before the upcoming elections.
According to the bill, social media companies will have to implement age-verification measures to ensure the safety of children. Companies that do not comply may have to pay fines of up to A$49.5 million (about $32 million).
The Australian government will trial an age-verification system, which could use biometrics or a government ID, after it banned social media for children under 16.
A Senate committee approved the bill this week, but added a condition that platforms cannot force users to provide personal information like passport or digital ID.
Ban gets public support
According to a YouGov survey, the ban has the support of 77% of the Australian public, up from 61% in August. Media companies like Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp have also supported this ban.
News Corp ran a campaign called “Let Them Be Kids” and said that the move would protect children from the negative effects of social media. With the passing of this bill, it is expected to give a new direction to the digital safety of children in Australia.
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