politics
Australian authorities to double fines for tech companies that do not comply with the ban on teen social media registration
Australian authorities are considering toughening the ban on teenagers using social networks: fines for technology companies may be doubled, according to local publication ABC. A study published earlier this week showed that the measures taken by the government are ineffective.
TL;DR
- Australia plans to double fines for tech companies that do not enforce bans on teen social media use, potentially up to AU$99 million.
- The online safety commissioner's powers will be expanded to require companies to prove they are taking all possible steps to prevent underage registrations.
- A study published in the British Medical Journal found that 85% of Australian teens aged 12-17 continue to use social media despite the existing ban.
- The current law, enacted in December, prohibits children under 16 from having accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with fines for non-compliance.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the changes reflect the seriousness with which the government views non-compliance with its leading legislation.