SYDNEY, Nov 29, (V7N) - Social media giants have voiced strong opposition to a landmark Australian law that bans them from signing up users under the age of 16. The legislation, passed by parliament on Thursday, has been described as rushed and unclear, with "many unanswered questions" regarding its implementation. UNICEF Australia also expressed concern, warning that the ban might push children into "covert and unregulated" online spaces, rather than providing real protection.

The Australian Government's Position

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the law, emphasizing that while it might not be implemented flawlessly, it was "the right thing to do." He explained that the aim was to achieve "better outcomes and less harm for young Australians" and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting parents and ensuring children's safety on social media. Platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).

Industry Concerns and Calls for Dialogue

Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and other social media companies have expressed concerns about the rushed process of the legislation, questioning the lack of detailed enforcement measures. They worry that it will be difficult to implement and may not be enforceable. Snapchat raised similar concerns, though both companies stated their willingness to engage with the government to shape the law's implementation in a way that balances privacy, safety, and practicality.

Privacy and Global Implications

A key issue with the new law is age verification—how it will be enforced and what information will be required. Social media platforms argue that age verification should be handled by app stores, while the Australian government believes that the responsibility should lie with the platforms themselves. The legislation will be closely monitored globally, with several other countries considering similar measures to protect young users. Some nations, like China, have already imposed strict limits on online activities for minors.