Google and Meta ask Austrialia govt to postpone bill on social media ban for children

Tech giants Google and Meta have urged the Australian government to delay a proposed bill that would ban most forms of social media for children under 16. The companies argue that the legislation is rushed and could have unintended consequences.

The proposed law, which is set to be voted on this week, would impose some of the world’s strictest controls on children’s social media use. Under the bill, social media platforms would be required to verify the age of users and block access to those under 16.

Both Google and Meta have expressed concerns about the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed age verification system. They argue that such a system could be easily circumvented by minors and may not be feasible to implement on a large scale. Moreover, they warn that the bill could push young people towards less regulated platforms or encourage them to use fake accounts to access social media.

“We believe that a more nuanced approach is needed to protect children online,” said a spokesperson for Google. “This bill, in its current form, is too restrictive and could have negative consequences for young people.”

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, echoed these concerns, stating that the bill “overlooks the practical reality of age assurance technology.” The company emphasized the need for a more collaborative approach involving industry, government, and experts to develop effective solutions to protect children online.

The Australian government, however, remains committed to passing the bill, citing concerns about the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being. The government argues that the proposed measures are necessary to protect young people from harmful content and online predators.

The debate over the Australian government’s proposed social media ban has sparked a broader conversation about the role of technology in society and the challenges of regulating the digital world. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, policymakers around the globe are grappling with how to balance innovation with the need to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.

While the Australian government’s intentions are well-meaning, the proposed ban has raised concerns among experts and industry leaders. Some argue that a more nuanced approach is needed, one that focuses on education, parental controls, and digital literacy, rather than outright bans.

The outcome of the Australian government’s decision will be closely watched by other countries considering similar legislation. As the digital landscape continues to shape our lives, finding the right balance between innovation and protection will be a critical challenge for policymakers and industry leaders alike.