21.11.2024 18:54 Uhr, Quelle: Engadget

Australia introduces a bill that would ban children under 16 from social media

Australia’s majority party has introduced a bill in Parliament that would ban children under 16 from social media. The legislation, which would put the onus on social platforms rather than children or parents, could fine infringing companies up to AUD$49.5 million ($32.2 million). The Labor Party’s bill would apply to (among others) Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and X. It would require platforms to cordon off and destroy any underage user data collected. However, the legislation would include exceptions for health and education services, like Headspace, Google Classroom and YouTube. “For too many young Australians, social media can be harmful. Almost two-thirds of 14- to 17-year-old Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online, including drug abuse, suicide or self-harm, as well as violent material,” Australia Communications Minister Michelle Rowland told Parliament on Thursday. “A quarter have been exposed to content promoting unsafe eating habits.” Reuters notes

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