Social media firms raise serious concerns over Australian U-16 ban [Video]

Australia’s proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is “rushed”, social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing “serious concerns” about potential unintended consequences.

The landmark legislation would force social media firms to prevent young teens from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).

Platforms such as X, Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta have criticised the 24-hour time frame given for stakeholder comments, claiming a lack of consultation and inadequate details about how the legislation would work.

X said in its submission that it had “serious concerns” the ban would have “a negative impact” on children, adding it breached their “rights to freedom of expression and access to information”.

The company added that the proposed law was “vague” and “highly problematic” and that there was “no evidence” that it would work.

Australia is among the vanguard of nations trying to clean up social media, and the …