States and territories back Albanese's social media ban
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The news: State and territory leaders have endorsed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plan to ban children under 16 from using social media.
The context: National cabinet met on Friday to discuss Albanese’s proposal, which he unveiled on Thursday in Canberra.
Labor had been mulling a ban on children as young as 14 using social media, before settling on 16. A trial of age verification is currently underway to assess ways the ban could actually be enforced.
Albanese confirmed that Tasmania advocated for a limit of 14-years, but did not want to stand in the way of a national standard.
Labor insists the rules will not block children from accessing educational services provided by social media.
Asked whether he was concerned about the power X owner Elon Musk, who has labelled the Australian government “fascist” over its misinformation bill, could wield in Donald Trump’s second presidency, Albanese said: “We will always advocate Australia's national interest”.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government would consider whether gaming platforms which include chat rooms would be caught up by the rules. YouTube Kids may be exempt, but not YouTube, Rowland confirmed.
Social media giants will be tasked with enforcing the age limit on their platforms.
Albaense said he will introduce legislation, which is expected to be backed by the Coalition, to Parliament in its next sitting week, which is later this month. The rules would come into effect a year after they pass Parliament, which the prime minister said would allow eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant to “set up processes” to enforce it.
Inman Grant, along with a number of experts, did not support a blanket ban on the use of social media.
What they said: “We will ensure as well young Australians retain access to services that are primarily provided education and health services and work constructively to make sure that is able to be delivered,” Albanese said in Canberra.
The source: Prime Minister’s press conference
