By Alasdair Pal
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned on Thursday the federal government would legislate for a ban on social media for youngsters underneath 16, a coverage the federal government says is world-leading.
“Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese instructed a information convention.
Laws shall be launched into parliament this yr, with the legal guidelines coming into impact 12 months after it’s ratified by lawmakers, he added.
There shall be no exemptions for customers who’ve parental consent.
“The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Albanese mentioned. “The onus won’t be on parents or young people.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland mentioned platforms impacted would come with Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:)’ Instagram and Fb, in addition to TikTok and Elon Musk’s X. Alphabet (NASDAQ:)’s YouTube would possible additionally fall inside the scope of the laws, she added.
