Google and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, have urged the Australian government to postpone a bill that aims to prohibit most forms of social media for children under 16, arguing that more time is required to evaluate its potential effects.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left administration plans to pass the bill, which enforces some of the strictest controls on children’s social media usage found in any country, into law by the end of the parliamentary year on Thursday.
The bill was introduced in parliament last week and allowed only one day for public submissions.
In their submissions, Google and Meta stated that the government should wait for the outcomes of an age-verification trial before proceeding further.
“Without these results, neither the industry nor Australians will comprehend the nature or extent of the age assurance required by the bill, nor its implications for Australians,” Meta asserted.
“As it stands, the bill is inconsistent and ineffective.”
The bill signifies some of the strictest regulations on children’s social media usage implemented by any nation (stock image).
X expressed in its submission that it had “serious concerns” that the ban would lead to “a negative impact” on children, asserting it infringed upon their “rights to freedom of expression and access to information.”
The company further commented that the proposed legislation was “vague” and “highly problematic,” maintaining that there was “no evidence” to support its effectiveness.
Owner Elon Musk, who considers himself a proponent of free speech, criticized the Australian government last week, claiming that the bill seemed like a covert attempt to control internet access.
The law would require social media platforms, rather than parents or children, to take reasonable measures to ensure age-verification safeguards are implemented. Companies could face fines up to A$49.5 million (€30.5 million) for systemic violations.
The opposition Liberal party is anticipated to endorse the bill; however, some independent MPs have accused the government of hastily moving through the process in approximately one week.
A Senate committee responsible for communications legislation is expected to provide a report soon.
Bytedance’s TikTok remarked that the bill was unclear and that it had “significant concerns” regarding the government’s intention to pass the legislation without comprehensive consultation with experts, social media platforms, mental health organizations, and young individuals.
“When new policy is proposed, it’s crucial that legislation is crafted thoughtfully and thoroughly to ensure it achieves its designated purpose. This has not been the case with this Bill,” stated TikTok.
