Source: Fortune
Summary
The Australian government plans to double potential fines for social media platforms that fail to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that the platforms’ resistance to age restrictions has led to the need for tougher laws. The government will introduce draft legislation to increase the maximum fine to 99 million Australian dollars ($68 million) and grant more powers to the eSafety Commissioner to ensure compliance. The ban, which came into effect on December 10, has been criticized for not being effective, with seven in 10 children still holding accounts on restricted platforms.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds familiar.
The numbers tell a story of a ban not working as planned. Seven in 10 children still have accounts on restricted platforms. The government is doubling down on fines, increasing the maximum to 99 million Australian dollars. The eSafety Commissioner will have more powers to demand information and test claims made by platforms. The ban has been closely watched by other countries considering similar restrictions.
Big Tech is being told to take responsibility, but the question remains: will they take the Mickey?
Author: Evan Null
