South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas says a global movement is underway to prevent underage people from accessing social media.
“They’re already in place in some areas, and the Commonwealth is now trialing it at the federal level,” the premier told ABC Radio on Sept. 9.
Malinauskas blamed social media companies for “industrialising the addiction” for their benefit.
“This is what invites governments to respond, and that’s what we’re going to do in South Australia, and I hope the rest of the country gets on board.”
He pointed to proposed legislation to impose harsh penalties on social media companies if under 14-year-olds are allowed to create accounts.
“It has to be seven-figure penalties for companies that knowingly and willingly break the law with impunity.”
Draft Bill Released
A report by former High Court Chief Justice Robert French, released on Sept. 8, includes a draft bill outlining a legislative framework to roll out a ban.The proposed legislation would also require companies to obtain parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to use their platforms.
The bill would place social responsibility on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing their services.
The premier further stated that international peer-reviewed research shows social media addiction is causing significant, long-lasting harm to children, particularly to their mental health.
“The government should be able to impose obligations on services that, quite frankly, are profiteering from addiction,” he added.
An age verification system allows online vendors to block access to minors.
“If you work in a sensitive industry with products not appropriate for younger people, a system like this could help you avoid fines, reputation damage, or both,” explains the report.
In its June budget, the federal government earmarked $6.5 million to explore the efficacy of age assurance technologies in curbing children’s exposure to inappropriate content on social media platforms.
The initiative aims to assess whether these technologies can positively impact children’s mental well-being.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the initiative was in response to an increasing number of Australian parents advocating for a complete ban on social media for children under 16.
