Molly Russell: How regulated is social media and how could it change?
2 years, 2 months ago

Molly Russell: How regulated is social media and how could it change?

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. Read our privacy policy The inquest into the death of Molly Russell has placed renewed focus on the regulation of social media platforms and the need for better systems to protect users from harmful content. During the inquest, coroner Andrew Walker said the opportunity to make social media safe must not “slip away”, as he voiced concerns about the platforms. The Online Safety Bill aims to address the limited liability of social media platforms by creating new laws that force social media platforms to take action or put in place measures which protect users from a range of online harms Matt Navarra, social media expert Social media expert and industry commentator Matt Navarra said the Bill could close some of the gaps in protecting people online. “The Online Safety Bill aims to address the limited liability of social media platforms by creating new laws that force social media platforms to take action or put in place measures which protect users from a range of online harms.”

Social Media Media Social Online Content Platforms Users Harmful Harmful Content Laws Molly Indytech Protect Social Media Platforms Matt Navarra  change  online  harmful  media  russell  users  platforms  laws  sign  protect  regulated  content  social  molly

History of this topic

'Serious concerns': Meta and other social media companies slam Australia's social media ban for teens
3 weeks, 3 days 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 …

How will social media ban be implemented?
3 weeks, 3 days ago

How will social media ban be implemented?

ABC  

Rachel Mealey: Well after a busy week in Canberra, the nation's federal politicians are returning to their electorates for the summer break ahead of next year's looming election. Among them was the government's headline-making social media ban for under 16s. Now that the social media ban bill has passed, the social media platforms have 12 months to work out how …

Australia PM on social media ban: Firms now have responsibility to protect kids
3 weeks, 4 days 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 …

Australia lawmakers pass landmark social-media ban for under-16s
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Australia lawmakers pass landmark social-media ban for under-16s

Live Mint  

Australia is set to become the first country to ban social media use by under-16s after the country’s Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor of strict new legislation. “Social media is doing harm to our children and I’m calling time on it," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said when the bill was introduced to Parliament earlier this month. The legislation marks …

Tech companies put on notice as Australia passes world-first social media ban for under-16s
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Tech companies put on notice as Australia passes world-first social media ban for under-16s

CNN  

Brisbane, Australia CNN — Australia’s parliament has passed a world-first law banning social media for children under 16, putting tech companies on notice to tighten security before a cut-off date that’s yet to be set. Under the new law, tech companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-age users from accessing social media services or face fines of nearly 50 …

Tech companies put on notice as Australia passes world-first social media ban for under-16s
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Tech companies put on notice as Australia passes world-first social media ban for under-16s

CNN  

Brisbane, Australia CNN — Australia’s parliament has passed a world-first law banning social media for children under 16, putting tech companies on notice to tighten security before a cut-off date that’s yet to be set. Under the new law, tech companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-age users from accessing social media services or face fines of nearly 50 …

Australia passes landmark bill seeking social media ban for children under 16
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Australia passes landmark bill seeking social media ban for children under 16

Hindustan Times  

Australia moved closer to implementing a ban on social media use for children under 16, after the country's House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday, according to Reuters. - Prime Minister Albanese, seeking to improve his approval ratings ahead of the upcoming May election, has highlighted the physical and mental health risks posed by excessive social media use among …

Amid Google-Facebook pressure, Australia takes another step to ban social media for children
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Amid Google-Facebook pressure, Australia takes another step to ban social media for children

Firstpost  

Despite opposition from companies like Google and Meta, Australia’s lower house has passed a bill to ban social media for children under 16, requiring age-verification protections Australia on Wednesday moved closer to banning social media for children under 16 after the parliament’s lower house passed the bill even as Alphabet’s, opens new tab Google and Facebook-owner Meta, opens new tab …

‘Even if law helps in just smallest of ways…’: Australia passes bill to ban young children from social media
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

‘Even if law helps in just smallest of ways…’: Australia passes bill to ban young children from social media

Live Mint  

Australia's House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media, leaving it to the Senate to finalise the world-first law. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media …

Australia pushes for social media ban for kids under 16: Here are the rules
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Australia pushes for social media ban for kids under 16: Here are the rules

India Today  

Australia took a major step toward banning social media for children under 16 on Wednesday, with the lower house of Parliament passing a bill aimed at implementing some of the toughest online controls globally. The bill passed with bipartisan support, securing 102 votes to 13, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government pushes for swift enactment before the year’s end. Here …

Australian House of Representatives passes bill to ban social media for children
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Australian House of Representatives passes bill to ban social media for children

India Today  

Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media, leaving it to the Senate to finalise the world-first law. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media …

Australia moves step closer to world-first social media ban for under-16s
Top News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Australia moves step closer to world-first social media ban for under-16s

Al Jazeera  

The House of Representatives votes overwhelmingly to pass legislation targeting platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Australia’s lower house of parliament has voted overwhelmingly to pass a landmark bill banning the use of social media by children under 16. Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan said the government had agreed to amendments made in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections for …

Australia’s social media ban for kids is closer to becoming law
Top News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Australia’s social media ban for kids is closer to becoming law

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media, leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young …

Growing social media app vows to shake up ‘toxic’ status quo
1 month ago

Growing social media app vows to shake up ‘toxic’ status quo

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. They've cleverly addicted us to our own egos Zoe Kalar, WeAre8 founder Zoe Kalar, the app’s founder, …

A social media ban for children younger than 16 is introduced in Australia’s Parliament
1 month ago

A social media ban for children younger than 16 is introduced in Australia’s Parliament

The Hindu  

Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament on Thursday that would ban children younger than 16 from social media, saying online safety was one of parents’ toughest challenges. Michelle Rowland said TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram were among the platforms that would face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars for systemic failures to prevent …

Australia’s parliament considers legislation banning social media for under 16s
1 month ago

Australia’s parliament considers legislation banning social media for under 16s

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament on Thursday that would ban children under 16 from social media, saying online safety was one of parents’ toughest challenges. One quarter have been exposed to content promoting unsafe eating habits.” Government research found that 95% of Australian care-givers find online safety to be one of their “toughest …

Australian parliament debates social media ban for children under 16
1 month ago

Australian parliament debates social media ban for children under 16

Firstpost  

The world-first legislation would force social media firms to take steps to prevent those under 16 years of age from accessing platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram Australian PM Anthony Albanese has endorsed banning children from registering social media accounts until they are 16. X/AlboMP Social media companies could be fined more than US$30 million if they fail …

Is a “digital duty of care” enough to protect young people from social media’s harms?
1 month ago

Is a “digital duty of care” enough to protect young people from social media’s harms?

ABC  

Since the start of November, the Australian government has made two significant announcements aimed at addressing the harms that social media platforms are causing to the mental health of adolescents: that it will legislate a minimum age of 16 for access to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X; that it will legislate a minimum age of 16 …

Australia’s plan to ban children from social media proves popular and problematic
1 month, 1 week ago

Australia’s plan to ban children from social media proves popular and problematic

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — How do you protect children from the harms of social media? The Australian government’s plan to ban children from social media platforms including X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram until their 16th birthdays is politically popular. More than 140 such experts signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning the 16-year age limit as “too blunt …

Australia's plan to ban children from social media proves popular and problematic
1 month, 1 week ago

Australia's plan to ban children from social media proves popular and problematic

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. The Australian government’s plan to ban children from social …

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users
1 month, 1 week ago

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia plans to require social media platforms to act to prevent online harms to users such as bullying, predatory behavior and algorithms pushing destructive content, the government said Thursday. “The Digital Duty of Care will place the onus on digital platforms to proactively keep Australians safe and better prevent online harms,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said in …

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users
1 month, 1 week ago

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users

NPR  

Australia will require social media platforms to act to prevent online harm to users toggle caption Rick Rycroft/AP MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia plans to require social media platforms to act to prevent online harms to users such as bullying, predatory behavior and algorithms pushing destructive content, the government said Thursday. "The Digital Duty of Care will place the onus on …

Social media 'duty of care' laws would force online giants to take preventative action on mental health harms
1 month, 1 week ago

Social media 'duty of care' laws would force online giants to take preventative action on mental health harms

ABC  

Social media companies would be required to take proactive steps to keep Australians safe online under a federal government plan to legislate a "Digital Duty of Care". Strong penalties for companies that fail to take preventative action The new duty would be in addition to the government's move to ban children and teens younger than 16 from using social media, …

Want to combat online misinformation? Regulate the architecture of social media platforms, not their content
1 month, 1 week ago

Want to combat online misinformation? Regulate the architecture of social media platforms, not their content

ABC  

Over the past couple of decades, social media platforms have evolved from simple networking sites into powerful forces that shape public opinion, influence elections, impact public health, and affect social cohesion. The growing role of social media platforms in disseminating information and the need to ensure the integrity of this information make discussions about regulation more urgent than ever. Focus …

'Doing harm to our kids': Australia proposes ban on social media for those below 16 years
Top News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

'Doing harm to our kids': Australia proposes ban on social media for those below 16 years

Firstpost  

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that his government would legislate for a ban on social media for children under 16. The platforms to be impacted would include Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, Elon Musk’s X and TikTok Australia speeding up to introduce laws to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media. Children in Australia …

New, strengthened Online Safety Act needed to protect children, charity says
1 month, 4 weeks ago

New, strengthened Online Safety Act needed to protect children, charity says

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Almost seven years after Molly’s death, we urgently need ministers …

Federal government's looming social media ban may be bad for isolated, marginalised teenagers
2 months ago

Federal government's looming social media ban may be bad for isolated, marginalised teenagers

ABC  

Australia will be the first in the world to ban social media for kids if the federal government goes ahead with its proposal to tighten restrictions by the end of the year. Support for young people and families The Butterfly Foundation: National helpline 1800 ED HOPE, 8am-midnight, 7 days a week ReachOut Australia: Confidential online peer support for young people …

Online safety laws ‘pose substantial risks to our economy’
2 months ago

Online safety laws ‘pose substantial risks to our economy’

The Telegraph  

Looming online safety laws pose “substantial risks” to the economy, ministers have been warned, amid fears the new red tape will smother small tech businesses. Sir David Davis, a former Cabinet minister, has called for a new review of forthcoming tech regulation, which is designed to protect children from harmful online content. In a letter to Peter Kyle, the secretary …

How social media will change under Ofcom rules
2 months ago

How social media will change under Ofcom rules

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. Read our privacy policy Ofcom has revealed when social media companies operating in the UK will need …

Technology Secretary asks Ofcom for online safety response to summer riots
2 months, 1 week ago

Technology Secretary asks Ofcom for online safety response to summer riots

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Technology Secretary …

Speed up laws to prevent children seeing harmful content online, Technology Secretary tells Ofcom
2 months, 1 week ago

Speed up laws to prevent children seeing harmful content online, Technology Secretary tells Ofcom

The Telegraph  

New laws to protect children from harmful online content such as suicide, self-harm and pornography must be introduced faster, the Technology Secretary has told Ofcom. In a letter to the head of the online regulator, Peter Kyle said it was “incredibly important” to introduce measures in the Online Safety Act “as soon as possible” amid concerns that they will not …

Platforms, not parents, to be responsible for social media age limit, but penalties as yet undecided
2 months, 1 week ago

Platforms, not parents, to be responsible for social media age limit, but penalties as yet undecided

ABC  

Social media platforms will bear the onus of enforcing the federal government's age limit, not parents, the communications minister has confirmed. Michelle Rowland told the ABC's News Breakfast on Friday the government's age limit "trial," a fact-finding mission to understand the capabilities of platforms in this space, has shown that they "have the capacity to do more and they should …

Teens already on social media could be exempt from a ban under an option canvassed by Anthony Albanese
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Teens already on social media could be exempt from a ban under an option canvassed by Anthony Albanese

ABC  

Teenagers who are already on social media could be allowed to keep their accounts under the ban promised by the federal government. Mr Albanese wrote to premiers and chief ministers asking for assistance on setting up a minimum age to use social media, including any evidence they may have on what age the ban should lift. The SA's examination of …

Albanese plans social media ban for children
3 months ago

Albanese plans social media ban for children

China Daily  

Australians have become attentive to the recent announcement of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who plans to ban children from social media platforms amid growing fears that these sites are having a negative impact on their development. Health experts said the overuse of social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression as young people compare themselves with others …

Social media platforms engaged in ‘vast surveillance’ and failed to protect young people, FTC finds
3 months ago

Social media platforms engaged in ‘vast surveillance’ and failed to protect young people, FTC finds

LA Times  

Social media apps and video streaming services are still facing scrutiny from U.S. regulators over youth safety and privacy concerns. Major social media platforms and video streaming services that gather a “staggering” amount of data from their users have failed to protect young people and safeguard online privacy, the Federal Trade Commission said Thursday. “These surveillance practices can endanger people’s …

Children and young teenagers could be banned from using social media, minister says
3 months, 1 week ago

Children and young teenagers could be banned from using social media, minister says

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Children in the …

Government strengthens Online Safety Act to crack down on revenge porn
3 months, 1 week ago

Government strengthens Online Safety Act to crack down on revenge porn

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 The sharing of revenge porn is to be classified as the …

Ofcom hiring more online safety staff amid calls to tackle misinformation
4 months ago

Ofcom hiring more online safety staff amid calls to tackle misinformation

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 Media regulator Ofcom is ramping …

Social media firms ‘failing to detect and remove’ suicide and self-harm content
4 months, 1 week ago

Social media firms ‘failing to detect and remove’ suicide and self-harm content

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. Read our privacy policy Some of the biggest social media platforms are failing to detect and remove …

Keir Starmer under pressure to order inquiry into social media to prevent it fuelling future riots
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Keir Starmer under pressure to order inquiry into social media to prevent it fuelling future riots

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We cannot let this moment go by without a proper …

Government will ‘look more broadly at social media’ after riots – Starmer
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Government will ‘look more broadly at social media’ after riots – Starmer

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Government will …

Sadiq Khan says he does not feel safe as a Muslim following far-right riots
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Sadiq Khan says he does not feel safe as a Muslim following far-right riots

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mr Khan has urged the government to revisit new social …

Those stoking violence online could face jail, Keir Starmer says
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Those stoking violence online could face jail, Keir Starmer says

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Anyone whipping up …

What to know about the Kids Online Safety Act that just passed the Senate
5 months ago

What to know about the Kids Online Safety Act that just passed the Senate

Associated Press  

The last time Congress passed a law to protect children on the internet was in 1998 — before Facebook, before the iPhone and long before today’s oldest teenagers were born. KOSA would create a “duty of care” — a legal term that requires companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm — for online platforms minors will likely use. Even …

State social media laws aimed at protecting conservative users remain blocked, Supreme Court says
5 months, 3 weeks ago

State social media laws aimed at protecting conservative users remain blocked, Supreme Court says

CNN  

Washington CNN — The Supreme Court on Monday declined to settle the major constitutional questions raised in a blockbuster dispute over laws approved in Texas and Florida intended to protect conservative viewpoints on social media, meaning the laws will remain blocked for now while lower courts continue to sort out the constitutional questions involved. Kagan’s opinion, however, reserved special criticism …

What are the new social media algorithm rules as Ofcom cracks down?
7 months, 2 weeks ago

What are the new social media algorithm rules as Ofcom cracks down?

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Social media platforms …

Online regulator Ofcom publishes new rules for social media firms to limit harm for children
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Online regulator Ofcom publishes new rules for social media firms to limit harm for children

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. Read our privacy policy Social media firms must stop pushing harmful content to children online with “aggressive” …

Editorial: Social media companies refuse to safeguard kids. It’s up to lawmakers now
8 months ago

Editorial: Social media companies refuse to safeguard kids. It’s up to lawmakers now

LA Times  

From state capitols to Washington, D.C., lawmakers are scrambling to come up with regulations that can protect kids from the potential harms of social media, since the platforms have been unwilling to adopt reasonable safeguards themselves. In just the last few months, Florida passed a law banning children under age 14 from having a social media account, Iowa legislators backed …

Opinion: There’s a clear way to regulate Facebook, TikTok and other social media
9 months ago

Opinion: There’s a clear way to regulate Facebook, TikTok and other social media

LA Times  

Powerful technology has perhaps never presented a bigger set of regulatory challenges for the U.S. government. Congress can create an independent authority responsible for establishing and enforcing baseline safety and privacy rules for social media companies. At minimum, companies would be banned from accepting payment from terrorist groups looking to verify social media accounts, as the Tech Transparency Project found …

Canada Introduces Bill To Force Social Media Companies To Remove 'Harmful Post' Within 24 Hours
9 months, 1 week ago

Canada Introduces Bill To Force Social Media Companies To Remove 'Harmful Post' Within 24 Hours

Live Law  

Canada has recently proposed an Online Safety Act to combat a range of harmful online content. The draft legislation, introduced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, aims to hold tech platforms accountable for swiftly removing content that falls under seven specified categories of harm. Under the proposed law, tech companies would be obligated to remove harmful content within 24 …

Discover Related