Hand over your ID or your facial data? The would-you-rather buried in the teen social media ban
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Hand over your ID or your facial data? The would-you-rather buried in the teen social media ban

ABC  

In the months since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned to two commercial radio hosts that Australians under 16 probably shouldn't be on social media, teenagers, parents and pundits alike have been forced to guess how a seemingly inevitable ban would actually work. The ink is still drying on section 63DB of the bill — an addition specifying that social media companies can't insist on ID as the only means of age assurance. While on the face of it, so to speak, blocking social media companies from insisting on ID might seem like a privacy win, some policy experts are worried it's leaping from one frying pan into yet another frying pan. Why social media companies might want to scan your face Biometrics aren't the only non-ID option on the table, but it's not hard to imagine that, given a choice, many people will feel less nervous about a face scan, similar to the one that unlocks their phone, than uploading their licence. The government's new laws banning children under 16 from having an account with some social media platforms won't take effect for at least 12 months.

Law Social Media Media Privacy Age Platforms Ban Federal Court Social Media Companies Esafety Teen Social Reasonable Steps  teen  social  hand  steps  id  reasonable  ban  media  age  platforms  data  privacy  facial  wouldyourather  companies  buried  law

History of this topic

Parliament majority favors motion for age limit on addictive social media sites
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Parliament majority favors motion for age limit on addictive social media sites

NL Times  

The Tweede Kamer has called for an age limit for social media sites that use addicting techniques. “Technology companies are not succeeding in offering a safe and healthy environment for our children.” State Secretary for Youth, Prevention and Sport, Vincent Karremans promised during a debate last month that he would produce an advice for a minimum age for social media …

TikTok, Meta and Snapchat slam YouTube's proposed exemption from social media ban
3 weeks, 3 days ago

TikTok, Meta and Snapchat slam YouTube's proposed exemption from social media ban

ABC  

The federal government has been accused of making a "sweetheart deal" to exempt YouTube from the teen social media ban, as YouTube's competitors kick off a co-ordinated public campaign against the move. In its submission, TikTok calls it a "sweetheart deal" and said exempting YouTube from the teen social media ban would be "akin to banning the sale of soft …

‘Inventive’ teenagers could circumvent a social media ban, MP warns
1 month ago

‘Inventive’ teenagers could circumvent a social media ban, MP warns

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Children do deserve more – they deserve more responsibility from social media companies, more urgency …

Dutch government pressing ahead with social media age limit policy
1 month, 1 week ago

Dutch government pressing ahead with social media age limit policy

NL Times  

The Dutch government is preparing new guidelines to restrict social media use among children. "This advice could include recommendations such as prohibiting children from using social media after a certain time or delaying smartphone access until they reach a specific age." "Phones and social media are designed in a way that makes it extremely difficult for children to stop using …

After Australia’s ban, Indonesia mulls minimum age for social media
1 month, 2 weeks ago

After Australia’s ban, Indonesia mulls minimum age for social media

Al Jazeera  

Jakarta says it is preparing legislation to protect minors from ‘physical, mental, or moral perils’. “By imposing age limits on social media use, the burden of enforcement shifts to tech companies, making them directly responsible for compliance and potential fallout,” Priyandita said, adding that discussions about restricting social media have swirled in Indonesia for years, although serious efforts have gained …

Children's lives are being put at risk by social media 'cancer', anti-terror chief warns - as he calls on UK to follow Australia with ban for under-16s
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Children's lives are being put at risk by social media 'cancer', anti-terror chief warns - as he calls on UK to follow Australia with ban for under-16s

Daily Mail  

Britain's head of counterterrorism has called for a ban on children using social media, describing the tech as a 'cancer' on young people's lives. Matt Jukes has called on Britain to follow Australia's lead, after the nation down under passed the world-first ban on social media use by under-16s last year. Going into detail about the suggested ban, Mr Jukes …

Bill Gates says ban on under-16s using social media is likely a ‘smart thing’
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Bill Gates says ban on under-16s using social media is likely a ‘smart thing’

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Amid widespread concern about the impact of social media, Australia’s parliament voted last month to ban all …

What the US PornHub ‘ban’ is really about
2 months, 2 weeks ago

What the US PornHub ‘ban’ is really about

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. HTML <iframe title=”Porn restrictions in the US” aria-label=”Map” …

What the US PornHub ‘ban’ is really about
2 months, 2 weeks ago

What the US PornHub ‘ban’ is really about

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. HTML <iframe title=”Porn restrictions in the US” aria-label=”Map” …

Australian-style social media ban for under-16s is unlikely, says technology secretary
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Australian-style social media ban for under-16s is unlikely, says technology secretary

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Australian-style social media ban for under-16s is highly unlikely, the …

Tech minister says Australia-style social media ban for under-16s is now highly unlikely - weeks after suggesting idea was 'on the table' unless online giants did more to protect vulnerable children
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Tech minister says Australia-style social media ban for under-16s is now highly unlikely - weeks after suggesting idea was 'on the table' unless online giants did more to protect vulnerable children

Daily Mail  

The technology minister has said an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s is now highly unlikely. The Act will see new safety duties placed on social media platforms for the first time, requiring them to protect users, and in particular children, from harmful content. Peter Kyle previously said a ban was 'on the table' if companies do not take stronger …

New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns
3 months ago

New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

Associated Press  

Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: Hollywood stars and child influencers California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence …

What is Australia’s Online Safety Amendment about? | Explained
3 months ago

What is Australia’s Online Safety Amendment about? | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: Australia’s House of Representatives recently passed the “Online Safety Amendment Bill, 2024” which imposes obligation on certain social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 years of age from having an account. Children are usually unable to create social media accounts under the age of 13 years, a restriction imposed by global …

Social media firms could be made to use facial recognition technology to check children's ages
3 months ago

Social media firms could be made to use facial recognition technology to check children's ages

Daily Mail  

Social media firms could be ordered to use facial recognition technology to check children's ages. Social media executives have been warned they could face huge fines and even prison sentences if they fail to follow guidance designed to ensure their users are not underage. The regulator estimates that up to 60 per cent of eight to 11-year-olds have social media …

Australia’s social media ban won’t protect kids – it’ll put them more at risk
3 months, 1 week ago

Australia’s social media ban won’t protect kids – it’ll put them more at risk

The Independent  

It’s hard to know what to gift teenagers at Christmas. Beyond the ongoing debate over TikTok’s future in the US, Australia has recently made the decision to ban children under 16 from social media – a policy which the government will enforce via untested age verification technology. The AV technology to be used on social media platforms in Australia is …

How will Australia's under-16 social media ban work? We asked the law's enforcer
3 months, 1 week ago

How will Australia's under-16 social media ban work? We asked the law's enforcer

NPR  

How will Australia's under-16 social media ban work? We asked the law's enforcer toggle caption Provided by the Australian eSafety Commission Australia passed one of the strictest internet crackdowns in the world last month, banning children under 16 from being on social media or opening new accounts. Sponsor Message Research that's examined the link between social media use and teens' …

Insider Q&A: High hopes for Australia social media ban and channeling parental ‘fury’ over tech
3 months, 1 week ago

Insider Q&A: High hopes for Australia social media ban and channeling parental ‘fury’ over tech

Associated Press  

Julie Scelfo started MAMA — Mothers Against Media Addiction — earlier this year to help parents fight back against the harms of social media on children. A former journalist, Scelfo says she was inspired to take action after reporting on the youth mental health crisis and how screens and social media are affecting young people’s lives. Scelfo says the group …

Can parents get behind the Aussie ban on social media for kids?
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Can parents get behind the Aussie ban on social media for kids?

Live Mint  

“I wish I could move to Australia!" That was a sentiment expressed by a mother of two teen boys soon after she heard about Australia’s recent decision to bar children under 16 from using social media. Of course, parents need to set strict boundaries with children and not have to rely on a ban, but let’s face it, social media …

Sweden mulling online access age limits
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden mulling online access age limits

China Daily  

Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard, Minister of Justice in Sweden Gunnar Strommer, Minister of Justice in Norway Emilie Enger Mehl, and the Minister of Justice for the Faroe Islands Bjarni K. Petersen hold a doorstep about the recruitment of children and young people via social media for organized crime, at the Ministry of Justice in Copenhagen, Denmark, Dec 9, …

Sweden mulling online access age limits
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Sweden mulling online access age limits

China Daily  

Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard, Minister of Justice in Sweden Gunnar Strommer, Minister of Justice in Norway Emilie Enger Mehl, and the Minister of Justice for the Faroe Islands Bjarni K. Petersen hold a doorstep about the recruitment of children and young people via social media for organized crime, at the Ministry of Justice in Copenhagen, Denmark, Dec 9, …

California bill would require mental health warnings on social media sites
3 months, 2 weeks ago

California bill would require mental health warnings on social media sites

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy California, home to some of …

California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites
3 months, 2 weeks ago

California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember …

Texas weighs social media bans for minors as schools and police face challenges
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Texas weighs social media bans for minors as schools and police face challenges

Associated Press  

As school districts struggle to control the spread of cyberbullying, sexual abuse images and online exploitation among their students, Texas lawmakers could consider banning social media from minors, among other sweeping measures, in the upcoming legislative session. While they welcome any efforts to reduce harm to children, school officials and cybercrime investigators say more needs to be done to hold …

Australia’s move to keep kids off social media is worthy of emulation
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia’s move to keep kids off social media is worthy of emulation

Live Mint  

Australia’s barring of children under 16 from accessing social media is a giant leap forward for humankind in its effort to police tech companies. In Haidt’s telling, the reason exposure to social media of teens and preteens needs policing is straightforward: “While the reward-seeking parts of the brain mature earlier, the frontal vortex—essential for self-control, delay of gratification, and resistance …

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?

Associated Press  

It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. “It’s clear that social media companies have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” …

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere or even there?
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere or even there?

New Indian Express  

It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. Australia's new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern …

Australia's social media ban for under-16s sparks debate
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia's social media ban for under-16s sparks debate

China Daily  

A schoolboy looks at his phone in Melbourne on Nov 27, 2024 as Australia looks to ban children under 16 from social media. While many agree that social media can be harmful to the development of young people, a legally enforceable ban leaves many unsure of the consequences. Instead, it should be the responsibilities of big tech companies to regulate …

Australia's social media ban for under-16s sparks debate
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia's social media ban for under-16s sparks debate

China Daily  

By Barry He in London | China Daily Global | Updated: 2024-12-02 11:18 A schoolboy looks at his phone in Melbourne on Nov 27, 2024 as Australia looks to ban children under 16 from social media. While many agree that social media can be harmful to the development of young people, a legally enforceable ban leaves many unsure of the …

Like Australia, should social media be barred for the Under-16 in India?
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Like Australia, should social media be barred for the Under-16 in India?

India Today  

Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 is a decision that’s bound to have a transformative impact on how the young learn, consume information, interact with peers and stay connected in the ever-dynamic digital age. In that context, I strongly believe social media should be completely banned for children under 16,” says Vaishali Thakur, head of counselling at …

Keep an eye on Aussie law barring youngsters from social media
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Keep an eye on Aussie law barring youngsters from social media

New Indian Express  

A new law passed by the Australian parliament bans children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This means when the legislation comes into effect in a year, no child below 16 will be allowed to have a social media account and the onus to prevent them will be on the tech companies. The Anthony Albanese government is steadfast that …

Australia's PM says he is 'ready to engage' with Musk on social media ban for teens amid backlash
Top News
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Australia's PM says he is 'ready to engage' with Musk on social media ban for teens amid backlash

Firstpost  

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the parliament’s Thursday passage of landmark legislation requiring social media firms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from having accounts Australia’s prime minister said Sunday he was ready to “engage” with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government’s ban on under-16s joining social media. Anthony Albanese hailed the …

Social media can harm children's mental health. The question now is whether a ban will help or make it worse
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Social media can harm children's mental health. The question now is whether a ban will help or make it worse

ABC  

A year ago climate activist Anjali Sharma found herself walking between politicians' offices in Parliament House — a university student on a mission for greater climate action. "Some people say that the precise correlation between the rise of social media and the rise of the mental health crisis amongst Australians is just a coincidence. Meanwhile, some experts have tried to …

Founder of teenage-run 6 News channel criticises Anthony Albanese's social media ban for children under 16
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Founder of teenage-run 6 News channel criticises Anthony Albanese's social media ban for children under 16

Daily Mail  

The founder of an Australian news channel staffed exclusively by teenage journalists has responded to new laws which will ban children under the age of 16 from social media. Leo Puglisi, 17, has run the online news service 6 News since beginning his media career at age 11. 'As Australia's only national streaming news channel run almost entirely by teenagers …

Social media ban: How will it work and could it happen elsewhere?
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Social media ban: How will it work and could it happen elsewhere?

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The ruling was passed by the country’s parliament this week and described by prime minister Anthony Albanese …

'Serious concerns': Meta and other social media companies slam Australia's social media ban for teens
3 months, 4 weeks ago

'Serious concerns': Meta and other social media companies slam Australia's social media ban for teens

Firstpost  

Most tech giants have said they will comply with the ban as the government has imposed a fine of up to $50m if they fail to do so The Australian government’s ban on social media for teens has caused an uproar not only among users but also among tech companies including Meta that has accused the administration of passing the …

In graphics | Australia bans social media for children under 16: What it means and how it will be implemented?
3 months, 4 weeks ago

In graphics | Australia bans social media for children under 16: What it means and how it will be implemented?

Firstpost  

Australia has passed a historic law banning social media access for children under 16. Let’s take a closer look at what the new law means for the children and its implementation The Australian Parliament has passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media, making it the first country to implement such a measure. The Social Media Minimum …

How Australia’s social media ban for children compares to other countries
4 months ago

How Australia’s social media ban for children compares to other countries

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia has enacted a law …

Australian social media ban started with call to act by politician's wife
4 months ago

Australian social media ban started with call to act by politician's wife

Hindustan Times  

* Australian social media ban started with call to act by politician's wife Australia passes nationwide social media ban for under-16s * Ban sparked by state premier's quest after wife urged him to act * Rupert Murdoch's News Corp media campaign backed ban * Survey shows 77% of Australians support social media ban By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, - Since Meta …

Australia bans social media for kids under 16. But how will this even work?
4 months ago

Australia bans social media for kids under 16. But how will this even work?

Firstpost  

Australia has passed legislation to ban under-16s from having an account on social media platforms. Reuters The federal parliament has passed legislation to ban people under 16 from having an account with some social media platforms. The Social Media Minimum Age bill The legislation amends the current Online Safety Act 2021 and defines an “age-restricted user” as a person under …

Big tech says Australia "rushed" social media ban for youths
4 months ago

Big tech says Australia "rushed" social media ban for youths

Hindustan Times  

SYDNEY - Big Tech corporations on Friday hit out at a landmark Australian law that bans youths under the age of 16 from accessing social media, saying the law was "rushed" through parliament. Big tech says Australia "rushed" social media ban for youths Australia approved the social media ban for children late on Thursday. "Last week, the parliament’s own committee …

How the WORLD reacted to Australia's landmark social media ban: Praise from Putin's Kremlin, intrigue from the UK - and young Spaniards up in arms
4 months ago

How the WORLD reacted to Australia's landmark social media ban: Praise from Putin's Kremlin, intrigue from the UK - and young Spaniards up in arms

Daily Mail  

Australia's ban on under-16s using social media has caused an international stir after the world-first legislation made it through the Senate on Thursday. International legislators and media outlets keenly watched Australia's social media ban pass the senate on Thursday The legislation attracted attention from media in major world powers including India, the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom 'I'm …

Australia Faces Backlash Over Landmark Social Media Ban For Under-16 Users
4 months ago

Australia Faces Backlash Over Landmark Social Media Ban For Under-16 Users

ABP News  

Social media platforms have criticised Australia's newly passed law prohibiting under-16s from joining their platforms, calling it a hastily introduced measure riddled with "many unanswered questions," as reported by AFP. UNICEF Australia expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the ban, warning it could drive children into "hidden and unregulated" corners of the internet, undermining efforts to ensure their online safety. …

After Australia legislated a teen social media ban, it has to figure out how to enforce it
4 months ago

After Australia legislated a teen social media ban, it has to figure out how to enforce it

The Hindu  

Software testers hired by Australia's government to determine how to enforce the world's first national teen social media ban have worked on defence and election contracts but will use another experience to guide their study: wrangling their own children online. "The approach the Australian government takes could influence how other countries approach online age checks for social media content," said …

Australia, France and more: How countries are trying to regulate social media for children
4 months ago

Australia, France and more: How countries are trying to regulate social media for children

Firstpost  

Australia has approved a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate gripped the nation. From France to China, several other countries have tried to clean up social media through policies like strict privacy laws and prohibitions for minors Two school students pose with their mobile showing social media applications in Melbourne, Australia. Similar to Australia, …

Australian Parliament bans social media for under-16s with world-first law
4 months ago

Australian Parliament bans social media for under-16s with world-first law

Deccan Chronicle  

Melbourne: A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Parliament on Friday in a world-first law. “The social media ban legislation has been released and passed within a week and, as a result, no one can confidently explain how it will work in practice – the community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is …

Australia imposes world's-first ban on social media for children below 16 years
Top News
4 months ago

Australia imposes world's-first ban on social media for children below 16 years

India Today  

In a landmark decision, Australia has passed a law that effectively bans social media usage for children under the age of 16, making it the first country to implement such sweeping regulations. The new law, which was passed in Parliament earlier this week, requires social media platforms to enforce stricter age verification measures, ensuring that children below 16 are unable …

Australia BANS social media for kids under 16: A global first in online safety
4 months ago

Australia BANS social media for kids under 16: A global first in online safety

India TV News  

Australia has become the first country to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. The rule aims to address the rising concerns about the mental health risks which are associated with excessive social media usage, which further includes addiction, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. Image Source : FILESocial …

Australia Bans Social Media for Anyone Under 16
4 months ago

Australia Bans Social Media for Anyone Under 16

Bloomberg  

00:00 PETER JOINS US NOW, YOU HEAD UP OUR TEAM IN ASIA AND ACROSS THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY. PETER: WE HAVE SEEN GOVERNMENTS AROUND THE REAL STRUGGLE WITH THIS QUESTION, HOW MUCH ACCESS SHOULD MINORS HAVE TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER KINDS OF TECHNOLOGIES. CHINA, BECAUSE THEY HAVE MORE CENTRALIZED CONTROL OVER THESE THINGS, LIMITED HOW MUCH TIME KIDS COULD …

Australia PM on social media ban: Firms now have responsibility to protect kids
4 months ago

Australia PM on social media ban: Firms now have responsibility to protect kids

India Today  

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that social media platforms now have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children, after the country's parliament passed a bill banning those under the age of 16 from using the services. Australia approved the social media ban for children on Thursday after an emotive debate that has gripped the nation, setting …

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