06.12.2024 13:18:00
Дата публикации
The country's parliament has passed a law that will fine companies up to AUD 50 million (USD 32 million) for violating it. It will come into force in November 2025.
According to the document, social networks such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Reddit and Snapchat must restrict access to children under 16. An exception will be made for platforms used for educational purposes, such as YouTube.
Authorities say the law aims to protect children from online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content and psychological pressure, which is aggravated by comparison with the "perfect life" of others.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that the new measure is aimed at ensuring that children spend more time in real life, developing personal communication.
However, the implementation of the law raises questions. Platforms will have to implement age verification technologies, but the details of these methods remain unclear. Some experts warn that such systems could threaten the privacy of users’ data.
Critics of the law also express concerns about its impact on the mental health of teenagers. They believe that social networks can be an important means of communication for vulnerable groups.
Sceptics argue that teenagers will find ways to circumvent the restrictions, for example, by using VPNs. The experience of other countries, such as France and the United States, where similar restrictions have been introduced, shows that compliance with such laws remains a challenge.
Australia has become the first country to set such a high age limit for access to social networks. Previously, similar laws were adopted in certain countries and regions, for example, in the state of Utah in the United States, where the platform was required to confirm the age of users. However, this law was suspended by a court decision.
The bill has received support from Australian parents. Many believe that it will help protect children from the harmful effects of social networks, strengthen family ties and improve the psychological well-being of young people.
At the same time, young activists and experts in the field of digital technologies note that teenagers should be involved in the development of such initiatives. They believe it is important to have their voice heard in the debate.
International observers are watching Australia's example. Norway has already announced plans to follow suit. In the UK, lawmakers are also considering similar restrictions.
Supporters of the law hope to reduce the harmful effects of social media, while opponents warn of potential side effects and the difficulty of implementation. As a result, Australia has found itself at the center of a global debate about how technology is affecting young people's development and what measures are needed to protect their well-being.
(text translation is done automatically)
According to the document, social networks such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Reddit and Snapchat must restrict access to children under 16. An exception will be made for platforms used for educational purposes, such as YouTube.
Authorities say the law aims to protect children from online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content and psychological pressure, which is aggravated by comparison with the "perfect life" of others.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that the new measure is aimed at ensuring that children spend more time in real life, developing personal communication.
However, the implementation of the law raises questions. Platforms will have to implement age verification technologies, but the details of these methods remain unclear. Some experts warn that such systems could threaten the privacy of users’ data.
Critics of the law also express concerns about its impact on the mental health of teenagers. They believe that social networks can be an important means of communication for vulnerable groups.
Sceptics argue that teenagers will find ways to circumvent the restrictions, for example, by using VPNs. The experience of other countries, such as France and the United States, where similar restrictions have been introduced, shows that compliance with such laws remains a challenge.
Australia has become the first country to set such a high age limit for access to social networks. Previously, similar laws were adopted in certain countries and regions, for example, in the state of Utah in the United States, where the platform was required to confirm the age of users. However, this law was suspended by a court decision.
The bill has received support from Australian parents. Many believe that it will help protect children from the harmful effects of social networks, strengthen family ties and improve the psychological well-being of young people.
At the same time, young activists and experts in the field of digital technologies note that teenagers should be involved in the development of such initiatives. They believe it is important to have their voice heard in the debate.
International observers are watching Australia's example. Norway has already announced plans to follow suit. In the UK, lawmakers are also considering similar restrictions.
Supporters of the law hope to reduce the harmful effects of social media, while opponents warn of potential side effects and the difficulty of implementation. As a result, Australia has found itself at the center of a global debate about how technology is affecting young people's development and what measures are needed to protect their well-being.
(text translation is done automatically)
