Australia is toughening its tone in the fight against technology firms that do not protect young users. The country will set the age at 16 at which minors will be able to access social networks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.
“It’s (a measure) for moms and dads. Social media is doing a lot of harm to children and I have decided to put an end to it,” he told reporters.
Anthony Albanese announced future legislation in this direction in September, but it was not decided at the time whether it would apply from the age of 14 or 16.
Responsibility borne by technology firms
Tech giants and social media platforms will have the responsibility to ensure users are of the right age, Anthony Albanese stressed, rather than parents who “worry over the safety of their children.” children online. “The responsibility will not fall on parents or young people. There will be no sanctions for users,” he said.
Previous proposals to introduce an age limit for social media have enjoyed broad bipartisan support in Australia.
Anthony Albanese, a Labor Party, said the new laws would be presented to Australian state and territory leaders this week, before being submitted to parliament at the end of November.
