Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned delays to a proposed social media ban for children under 16, calling the holdup 'outrageous.' The comments came amid growing frustration over the slow pace of legislative action to protect minors from online harms.
Government Pushes for Urgent Action
Albanese stated that the government is committed to implementing the ban, which would restrict access to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for users under 16. 'We cannot afford to wait while our children are exposed to dangerous content and cyberbullying,' he said. The prime minister urged parliament to prioritize the bill, which has faced opposition from tech companies and free-speech advocates.
Details of the Proposed Ban
The legislation would require social media companies to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors. Non-compliant firms could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue. The ban is part of a broader push by the Australian government to enhance online safety, following similar measures in the UK and EU.
Criticism and Support
Critics argue that the ban could infringe on children's rights and push them to unregulated platforms. However, child safety groups and parents have voiced strong support. 'Every day of delay puts more kids at risk,' said a representative from the Australian Child Safety Alliance. The government aims to pass the bill by the end of the year.
