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Google and Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, have called on the Australian government to postpone passing a controversial bill that would ban most forms of social media use for children under 16. The companies argue that more time is needed to evaluate its implications.
The proposed legislation, which is among the most stringent on a global scale, is designed to implement rigorous age-verification systems to reduce the use of social media by minors. The government anticipates that the measure will be passed by Thursday, which will serve as the conclusion of the parliamentary year, following its introduction last week. However, the legislation’s hurried timeline prompted apprehensions regarding the public consultation, which lasted only one day.
The measure is regarded by the center-left government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a substantial stride towards safeguarding minors online. It requires social media platforms to implement age-verification measures, which may involve government-issued identification or biometrics. Companies that fail to comply may be subject to fines of up to AUD 49.5 million ($32 million).
Meta criticized the bill, stating “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,”
“In its present form, the bill is inconsistent and ineffective,” Meta added.
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, said the bill lacked clarity and had “significant concerns” with the government’s plan to pass the bill without detailed consultation with experts, social media platforms, mental health organizations and young people.
“Where novel policy is put forward, it’s important that legislation is drafted in a thorough and considered way, to ensure it can achieve its stated intention. This has not been the case concerning this Bill,” TikTok said.
Elon Musk’s X raised concerns that the bill will negatively impact the human rights of children and young people, including their rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Musk, who is a fervent supporter of free speech, accused the Australian government of utilizing the measure as a “backdoor” to limit internet access.
Despite these criticisms, the measure is anticipated to receive bipartisan support, with the opposition Liberal Party expected to vote in favor. The legislative process’s rapidity has prompted concerns among independent legislators and certain industry stakeholders.
A Senate committee is scheduled to submit its report on the bill this week, which will serve as a critical juncture in the ongoing discussion regarding one of the most significant measures to regulate the online activities of minors in Australia.
