November 27, 2024 – Several tech giants, including Google, Meta, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter), have jointly criticized a new regulation proposed by the Australian government that aims to prohibit social media use by individuals under the age of 16. The companies argue that the bill, which was submitted to the parliament on November 21st and proposes fines up to AUD 49.5 million for non-compliant platforms, is insufficiently vetted and could potentially infringe on the rights of children.
Google and Meta have united in their request for the government to postpone the implementation of the bill, citing the need for additional time to evaluate its possible consequences. They emphasized the absence of data supporting the effectiveness of age verification systems, questioning the bill’s rationale and practicality.
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has expressed “grave concerns” over the lack of clarity in the bill. The company criticized the government for rushing into legislation without adequate consultation with experts, platforms, mental health organizations, and young people themselves.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s X is apprehensive that the bill might violate the freedom of speech and access to information for children and teenagers. The company sees this as a potential “backdoor means” for the government to control internet access.
Collectively, these tech giants are urging the Australian government to reconsider the bill, seeking a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to protecting young users online.
