The House of Representatives of Australia has approved a bill that would make it the first rules of its kind to apply to children under the age of 16 worldwide. The bill, which received strong support from major political parties, then moves to the Senate for ultimate acceptance, as reported by the Associated Press.
The bill, which passed with 102 vote in favour and 13 against, holds websites like TikTok, Facebook, Snap, Reddit, X, and Instagram responsible for allowing younger children to build records. If the bill becomes law, these systems could face fines of up to 50 million American money (around$ 33 million ) for not stopping children under 16 from registering.
Before penalties are imposed, the law would provide platforms a time to establish age restrictions once it was approved. Senator Dan Tehan, an opponent, made a point during the discussion about Senate revisions that would improve protection privileges. He explained that websites would not be allowed to force users to deliver government-issued IDs, such as passports or vehicle’s licences, or require electric identification through a government program.
Critics have raised concerns about privacy challenges, isolating children, and removing parental control over their children’s social internet use. Some warn that the ban might make it harder for kids to report website harms and lead to a downward spiral in their virtual behavior.
The bill has received criticism from some independent lawmakers despite the support of the majority of the big events. Zoe Daniel, a senator, argued that the law would n’t address the real dangers of social media. She said that the real goal of this policy is not to create social media safer, but to give voters and parents the impression that the state is taking steps to help. She added that no other nation had suggested a stricter determine like that.
Despite these concerns, communications secretary Michelle Rowland is assured the costs will go in the Senate, where it faces less criticism. Melbourne native Wayne Holdsworth, whose 17-year-old child died after being targeted in an virtual sextortion fraud, strongly supports the costs. He called it “absolutely necessary for the health of our children”, adding,” It’s not the only item that we need to do to protect them, but it’s a great step”.
The introduction of a new maximum time for social media use is also a new group standard, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It’s all about supporting kids. It’s about ensuring that families have peace of mind and that children have happy childhoods. And it’s about this legislature working along, to plug this change in. given that we are making social media companies aware of their cultural obligations. And expressing my concern for all those mothers and fathers who are concerned about the influence social media has on their children’s well-being, intellectual well-being, confidence, and sense of self.
” That concept is straightforward: we are on your side, we’ve got your back. I want young Australians to sprout up glad, active and safe”, he added.
