The law would make Australia one of the first countries to impose an age restriction on social media. Opponents say it could drive online activity underground.

The law would make Australia one of the first countries in the world to impose an age restriction on social media, but opponents say it could drive online activity underground.

Australia plans to set a minimum age limit for children to use social media citing concerns about mental and physical health, drawing a backlash from digital rights advocates who warn the measure could drive dangerous online activity underground.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his center-left government would run an age verification trial before introducing age minimum laws for social media this year.

Albanese did not specify an age but said it would most likely be between 14 and 16.

  • troed@fedia.io
    9·
    2 months ago

    … and all parents, globally, who already lie about their children’s age due to the US COPA will just keep on lying.

    • fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      61·
      2 months ago

      The parents lie or the kids lie?

      When I was 12 I didn’t ask my parents for permission to create an account. I just did it and lied about my age.

      • troed@fedia.io
        3·
        2 months ago

        We lied when we created their first ones. We’ve taught them to lie when they create ones now.