There is often controversy over the age for children to be active on social media platforms. Taking care of children’s safety online is also a big challenge for parents. However, Australia has now taken a big step on this issue. According to an AP report, Australia’s House of Representatives has passed a bill to ban children under 16 from using social media. Now the Senate will decide to turn this bill into law. If this law is implemented, Australia will become the first country to implement it.
Heavy fines can be imposed on platforms
All major parties in the Australian House of Representatives have supported this bill. The bill also states that heavy fines will be imposed for failing to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts. Platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
Companies have a 1 year term
After being introduced in the Australian House of Representatives, this bill related to social networks was approved with 102 votes in favor and 13 against. If the bill becomes law this week following the Senate’s decision, social media platforms will have a year to determine how to implement the age restrictions. After this they will be fined.
Preparation to ban pornography too
Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland recently said that 95 per cent of Australian parents consider online safety to be one of the biggest challenges in raising their children. Australia is also working on measures to prevent children under 18 from accessing pornographic material available on the internet.
What did Elon Musk say?
According to PTI, X owner Elon Musk has raised questions about this bill. “(This bill) appears to be a behind-the-scenes attempt by Australians to control internet access,” he said in a post.
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