The South Australian Labor Premier, Peter Malinauskas, discussed the federal government’s allocation of $6.5 million for a trial of age verification technology on social media platforms. Malinauskas emphasized the importance of preventing underage individuals from accessing social media and criticized social media companies for promoting addiction for their own gain. Proposed legislation includes harsh penalties for companies that allow individuals under 14 to create accounts, with parents having the ability to sue if their children are harmed.
Former High Court Chief Justice Robert French released a draft bill outlining a legislative framework for implementing a ban on underage access to social media. The bill also mandates parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to use social media platforms, placing the responsibility on companies like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to prevent children from accessing their services. Malinauskas highlighted research showing the harmful effects of social media addiction on children’s mental health and expressed the need for government intervention to address this issue.
An age verification system can help online vendors block minors from accessing inappropriate content, potentially avoiding fines and damage to their reputation. The federal government’s initiative to explore age assurance technologies aims to evaluate their effectiveness in protecting children from harmful content on social media and promoting their mental well-being. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that many Australian parents support a complete ban on social media for children under 16, prompting the government to take action in response to these concerns.
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