New Delhi: Google, Meta, and TikTok are calling on the Australian government to postpone a bill that would ban social media access for children under 16. The bill, which has garnered widespread support, is part of a broader effort to protect young Australians from the potential harms of social media, including mental health issues, privacy concerns, and exposure to inappropriate content.
However, the tech companies argue that the legislation is being rushed through Parliament without proper consideration of the implications. They have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of age-verification technologies and the potential for unintended consequences, such as isolating children or driving them to less regulated online spaces.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has labeled the bill “inconsistent and ineffective” and called for further consultation. They suggest that age verification should be managed by app stores rather than individual platforms to simplify the process and enhance privacy protections.
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Google has also voiced concerns, warning that the industry and the public are unprepared for the changes the bill would bring. They argue that the government should wait for the completion of an age-verification trial next year before proceeding with the ban.
TikTok has similarly described the legislation as “rushed” and “unworkable,” highlighting potential privacy issues and the lack of clarity in the bill. They advocate for a more nuanced approach that focuses on age-appropriate digital environments rather than outright bans.
The Australian government is facing mounting pressure to delay the bill, with critics arguing that it is overly broad and could have unintended consequences. It remains to be seen whether the government will heed these concerns and postpone the legislation.
