Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media after its Senate approved the world’s toughest laws, the BBC reports.
The ban, which will not come into force for at least 12 months, could result in a penalty of 50 million Australian dollars for technology companies if they do not comply.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the law is needed to protect young people from the “harm” caused by social media, a claim often repeated by many parental groups.
However, critics say questions about how the ban will work, and its impact on privacy and social connections, remain unanswered.
This is not the first attempt to restrict children’s use of social media, but it includes the highest age limit set by any country and does not include exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK:
“This is a global problem and we want young Australians to have a childhood. We want parents to have peace of mind,” Albanese said when he introduced the bill to the lower house last week.
After the Senate passed the bill late Thursday by a vote of 34 to 19, the bill will return to the House of Representatives – where the government has a majority, meaning it will certainly pass – to approve amendments before it officially becomes law.
The law does not specify which platforms will be banned. Those decisions will be made later by the Australian Minister for Communications, who will seek advice from the eSafety Commissioner – the internet regulator who will enforce the rules.
READ MORE:
MURRAY WON’T COACH DJOKOVIC: Brit to have special role in Novak’s team
Source: Euronews, Photo: Pexels