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A new regulation set to impact social media use among young Australians is on the horizon. Starting December 10, specific social media platforms will be required to block users under 16 from accessing their services. This major shift aims to protect the younger generation from the potential pitfalls of online engagement.
Today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the public outside parliament, emphasizing the importance of this legislation. He highlighted the initiative as a means to preserve the innocence of youth and bolster parental involvement in their children’s digital lives.
“This is about letting kids be kids,” Albanese remarked to gathered reporters. “It’s also about empowering parents to engage in meaningful discussions with their children regarding online activities.”
While acknowledging potential challenges in rolling out these laws, Albanese maintained a firm stance on their necessity. “We recognize that the implementation might not be flawless,” he admitted, “but we are very clear that the Australian government is setting expectations. Social media companies must remember their social responsibilities and the importance of their social licence, much like other businesses.”
“We do argue, very strongly, though, that this is the government of Australia setting down what we expect to happen, including reminding social media companies that they have a social responsibility, and that they need to be conscious about their social licence, like other businesses.”
The laws have, as expected, come under fire from the multinational tech giants whose platforms will be impacted by the ban, but have also faced criticism from closer to home about which sites are and aren’t included, and a lack of information about the changes that come into effect in a month.
Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the implementation of what she called a “world-leading” reform, saying there had been a 20-fold increase in traffic to the eSafety website since the launch of a national education campaign three weeks ago.
“Our social media laws are not a cure, but they are a treatment plan,” she said.
“We want children to have their childhood and we want parents to have peace of mind.
“This reform will not just change a law. It will change a generation.
“We know this law will not be perfect, but it is too important not to have a crack.”
She added that social media companies have to communicate with their users about the ban before it comes into effect, although admitted exactly when that communication happens hasn’t been set.
“Perhaps in the week leading up to 10 December,” she said.