R Pal Google and Meta have expressed concerns regarding Australia’s proposed legislation that would impose strict age verification measures for social media platforms. The bill aims to restrict access to social media for children under 16, with companies facing significant fines for non-compliance.
Both tech giants argue that the bill lacks clarity and could have unintended consequences. They emphasize the need for more thorough consultation with industry experts, mental health organizations, and young people to ensure the effectiveness and fairness of the proposed regulations.
Google and Meta have proposed an alternative approach, suggesting that the government should wait for the results of ongoing age-verification trials before implementing stricter measures. They believe that a more nuanced and data-driven approach is necessary to balance the need to protect children with the right to access information and online platforms.
The proposed bill has also drawn criticism from other tech companies, including TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). TikTok expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in the legislation and the potential impact on user experience. Elon Musk, the owner of X, has also voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that it could infringe on users’ freedom of expression and access to information.
While the Australian government aims to protect children from harmful online content, the proposed legislation raises concerns about potential overreach and unintended consequences. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism from tech companies and whether it will make adjustments to the bill to address their concerns.
