Google And Meta Urge Australia To Delay Social Media Ban

Photo by Luke Porter on Unsplash

Google And Meta Urge Australia To Delay Social Media Ban

Reading time: 2 min

Google and Meta have urged the Australian government to delay the bill to ban social media networks for children under 16 this Tuesday.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Google and Meta are asking the Australian government for more time to evaluate the consequences of the ban
  • The tech giants want to consider the results from the age verification system trial first
  • X and TikTok also shared concerns about the new bill submitted last week

According to Reuters, the tech giants explained that more time is required to evaluate its impact and that the government should wait for the age-verification trial results before implementing the law.

The initiative to ban social media for children and teenagers, led by Austrian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, represents one of the strictest measures worldwide. There are many concerns and doubts about whether it is the best approach to alleviating the risks and challenges this vulnerable population is facing. Albanese’s administration is determined to pass the bill, which should become a law by the end of the year.

The bill was introduced last week, and the submission of opinions opened for only one day when Google and Meta shared their suggestions, including waiting for the age verification system trial as it will include government identification and biometrics to determine age and it’s a new technology that hasn’t been implemented before.

“In the absence of such results, neither industry nor Australians will understand the nature or scale of age assurance required by the bill, nor the impact of such measures on Australians,” said Meta and added that the bill as it is presented right now is “inconsistent and ineffective.”

According to the new bill proposed, social media platforms must comply with the new system and could be fined up to $32 million for breaches.

TikTok also participated and said that the bill wasn’t clear enough and that they were concerned about its impact. X also added that it was against children’s human rights to access the internet and their freedom of expression.

The Senate should deliver a report soon.

This week, the Australian misinformation bill was abandoned as it didn’t get enough support from the Senate.

Did you like this article? Rate it!
I hated it I don't really like it It was ok Pretty good! Loved it!

We're thrilled you enjoyed our work!

As a valued reader, would you mind giving us a shoutout on Trustpilot? It's quick and means the world to us. Thank you for being amazing!

Rate us on Trustpilot
0 Voted by 0 users
Title
Comment
Thanks for your feedback
Loader
Please wait 5 minutes before posting another comment.
Comment sent for approval.

Leave a Comment

Loader
Loader Show more...