Key events
Show key events only
Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Dan Jervis-Bardy
Opposition calls on government to address ‘uncertainties’ around social media ban for under-16s
The federal opposition is demanding the Albanese government urgently address “uncertainties” surrounding the social media age limit ahead of its commencement in a month’s time.
The world-first restrictions will start on 10 December, requiring platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, X and TikTok to prevent under-16s from creating or holding an account.
The shadow communications minister, Melissa McIntosh, said several issues remained unclear, including the final list of platforms that would be captured.
Melissa McIntosh. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP
The government last week added message board Reddit and video streaming platform Kick to the banned list while leaving the door open to further, delayed inclusions – such as gaming platform Roblox.
McIntosh said:
The intent of the ban is to protect kids online, but with this rushed, last-minute approach to adding new platforms, will the social media companies be ready in time, and what age verification mechanisms will they use? Additional platforms being added to the banned list is happening in a hasty way. Last week, the Minister said there would ‘still be room for movement’ heading into the 10 December implementation date. With urgency, the government needs to confirm the full list of platforms children can’t be on.
McIntosh criticised the government’s public information campaign to promote the ban as “lacklustre”, saying parents, schools and children weren’t given enough time to prepare.
Share
Good morning
Good morning, and welcome to Monday. Nick Visser here to start the week off. Here’s what’s on deck:
Politicians and celebrities have paid tribute to talkback legend John Laws, who died on Sunday. Russell Crowe remembered Laws as a “wise mentor” and “mischievous mate” while Kyle Sandilands called the man known as the “Golden Tonsils” as “one of the true originals”.
“He said what he thought, didn’t care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required. I’m devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate”, Sandilands wrote on social media.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley said Australia had lost a “true pioneer of broadcasting”, saying Laws helped “shape public debate with a style that was fearless, perceptive and unmistakably his own”.
Let’s dive in.
Share
