Canberra.
Australia has become the first country to impose a national ban on social media for children under 16. This step was taken amid growing concerns over the impact of social media on the mental health of youth. At the same time, veteran tech businessman Elon Musk has criticized it, which has enraged Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
He hit back at Musk, saying that Musk’s criticism of this decision is an attempt by the X owner to further his own agenda. He also said that if needed, he is ready to talk to anyone about this decision.
Restrictions for children under 16 years of age
In fact, after a long and emotional debate, on Thursday Australia approved a social media ban for children. This Australian decision set a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world. However, this decision may also spoil its relations with its major ally America. Its opposition began in America when Elon Musk, a veteran tech businessman and member of America’s newly elected President Trump’s cabinet, criticized it in a post. He wrote in his post that this decision appears to be a way to control the access of all Australians to the Internet.
We will talk to anyone – Albanese
Regarding the implementation of this rule, when Albanese was asked on Sunday whether he was ready to talk to Musk about the social media ban, he said that we will talk to anyone. He said that Elon Musk is pushing the agenda of X. He said that we are determined to accomplish this.
This much crores of dollars will be fined
The law forces tech giants ranging from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok to prevent minors from logging in. Under this, accounts of small children will be banned on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram. Also, if these platforms fail to do so, a fine of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) will be imposed. This law will become effective in January next year.
Albanese got the support of 77 percent of the country’s population
According to Australia’s official YouGovernment survey, 77 percent of Australian citizens supported the move to completely ban social media for children under 16 years of age. According to Rodrigo Preno, a professor of politics and public policy at Flinders University in South Australia, the country is scheduled to hold federal elections in early 2025. In such a situation, the federal government, including PM Anthony Albanese, recognized that this is a problem that needs to be solved for the entire country.