ecently many Australian citizens expressed both anger and relief at the social media ban that the Australian government has just announced. The social media
ban is aimed at children under 16 due to the fact that the media content could have a significant impact on them. While the Australian government thinks that this new rule could be world-leading, tech giants such as TikTok or others believe that it could attract people to "darker corners of the internet".
Last week, Australia approved a social media ban under 16 due to the fact that more and more countries around the world are trying to control all social platforms. The world’s regulation for Big Tech platforms is forcing the media such as Meta platforms, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stop minors children from logging into their accounts. In consequence, these social media giants would face fines of about $32 million. It’s important to mention that a trial about different enforcement methods will begin in January and the Australian social media ban is set to take effect in a year.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, "Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,"
"We're making sure that mums and dads can have that different conversation today and in future days.", he also stated.
Also, late on Friday, he announced the further details that this Australian social media ban will have, and he also detailed more information about the significant physical and mental risks that social platforms have on minor children. It seems that the Australian government sees risks for girls from harmful representations of body image and various misogynist content focused more on boys.
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Many parents and Australian citizens have expressed their relief about this new rule, while others think that the social media ban under 16 tries to diminish democracy.
"I think that's a great idea, because I found that the social media for kids (is) not really appropriate, sometimes they can look at something they shouldn't,", a Sydney resident stated.
"I'm feeling very angry, I feel that this government has taken democracy and thrown it out the window,", a 58-year-old stated.
Even more so, many children will try to find different ways to still use these social media platforms without the approval of Big Tech giants.
"I feel like I still will use it, just secretly get in,", an 11-year-old stated.
It remains to be seen when exactly this Australian ban will come into effect, and how these Big Tech giants are planning to enforce their log-in rules in order to keep the minors out of social media.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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