Preventing Underage Access to Social Media: Addressing the Growing Concern
Introduction
The federal government has allocated $6.5 million for a trial of age verification technology to prevent underage people from accessing social media. South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas believes that a global movement is underway to tackle this issue, and he is determined to lead the charge in his state. In this article, we will delve deeper into the proposed legislation, the potential penalties for social media companies, the need for social responsibility, and the efficacy of age assurance technologies in curbing children’s exposure to inappropriate content.
Proposed Legislation and Penalties
Premier Malinauskas points to proposed legislation that aims to impose harsh penalties on social media companies if they allow children under the age of 14 to create accounts. The draft bill, released by former High Court Chief Justice Robert French, outlines a legislative framework to roll out a ban on underage access. Under this legislation, parents of harmed children would also have the option to sue these companies. The premier emphasizes that these penalties should be substantial, reaching seven-figure amounts, to ensure that companies take the law seriously and do not profit from underage addiction.
Social Responsibility and Addiction
Premier Malinauskas blames social media companies for “industrializing the addiction” for their own benefit. He believes that governments have a responsibility to respond to this issue and protect children from the significant, long-lasting harm caused by social media addiction. International peer-reviewed research supports this claim, highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on children’s mental health. The premier asserts that it is crucial for the government to impose obligations on these services, considering the substantial profits they generate from addiction.
Age Verification Technology: Curbing Children’s Exposure
An age verification system can play a crucial role in preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content on social media platforms. This technology allows online vendors to block access to individuals below a certain age. Notably, it can be particularly beneficial for industries that deal with sensitive products unsuitable for younger individuals, helping them avoid fines and reputational damage. The report emphasizes that implementing such a system can be a proactive measure for businesses operating in these sectors.
Exploring the Efficacy of Age Assurance Technologies
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the federal government allocated $6.5 million in its June budget to explore the efficacy of age assurance technologies. The initiative aims to assess whether these technologies can have a positive impact on children’s mental well-being. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese states that the government’s decision was in response to the increasing number of Australian parents advocating for a complete ban on social media for children under 16. By investing in research and testing, the government hopes to find effective solutions to protect children from the potential harms of social media.
Conclusion
The proposed legislation, penalties for social media companies, focus on social responsibility, and exploration of age assurance technologies reflect the growing concern regarding underage access to social media. Premier Malinauskas and the federal government are committed to addressing this issue and protecting children from the adverse effects of social media addiction. By implementing age verification systems and encouraging responsible behavior among social media platforms, they aim to create a safer online environment for children.
