Social media firms urge caution on early Australia under-16 ban data
Lawmakers are weighing tougher penalties as studies cited by the internet regulator say about 80% of minors still use social media.
- On Thursday, local heads of Meta, Google, Snapchat, and TikTok fronted a Senate inquiry regarding Australia's under-16 social media ban, urging lawmakers not to over-rely on early data showing most children still access their services.
- The inquiry follows regulator concerns that platforms are failing to prevent underage access despite the ban taking effect in December, prompting lawmakers to consider amendments doubling maximum penalties to $99 million.
- Meta's Australia head of public policy Mia Garlick noted survey data may not distinguish between accessing a platform and owning an account. Google's Rachel Lord added that technologies detecting users at the 16 age boundary remain an "iterative process."
- Accusing platforms of "slow-walking compliance," Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is weighing potential legal action as the Senate inquiry continues examining whether current policy effectively protects minors.
- Later today, Friday, Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is scheduled to testify before the Senate to address the widening gap between lawmakers and platforms regarding Australia's landmark ban on social media for those under 16.
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Australia Social Media Ban: Tech Giants Urge Caution Over Early Data As Penalties Rise To AUD 99 Million | 📲 LatestLY
Social media giants urged Australia's Senate inquiry to exercise caution regarding early data on the under-16 ban, noting ongoing enforcement challenges. Meta, Google, and TikTok detailed account removals as lawmakers consider doubling maximum penalties to AUD 99 million for non-compliance. 📲 Australia Social Media Ban: Tech Giants Urge Caution Over Early Data As Penalties Rise To AUD 99 Million.
The main social media platforms urged the Australian government not to overburden preliminary evidence showing that most children still use their products, despite the historic ban for children under 16 years of age, while parliamentarians assess stricter penalties and investigative powers for regulators. Local Google directors, owner of YouTube, Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok attended a hearing in the Australian Sena…
Berliner Morgenpost
In Australia, under 16-year-olds are no longer allowed to use WhatsApp, TikTok and Co. Our correspondent answers your questions.
Australia Under-16 Social Media Ban: Platforms Warn Early Data May Mislead Amid Tougher Penalties Debate
Top social media platforms urged the Australian government not to place too much weight on early evidence showing most children still use their products despite a landmark under-16 ban, as lawmakers weigh tougher penalties and investigative powers for regulators.Local heads of YouTube owner Google, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta, Snapchat and TikTok fronted a Senate inquiry as lawmakers pressed them on multiple studies, including from Austra…
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