Social media platforms will bear the onus of ensuring age limits are adhered to, under the Albanese government’s proposed ban, rather than penalising teens who may defy the rules.
With further discussions to take place at the NSW and South Australian governments’ joint Social Media Summit on Friday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland will declare “the aim is to create positive incentives for digital platforms to develop age-appropriate versions of their apps”.
“The key principle of the Commonwealth’s legislative approach is to place the onus on platforms, not parents or young people,” she will tell the summit, according to NCA
“Penalties for users will not feature in our legislative design.
“Instead, it will be incumbent on the platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place at the source.”
While the government has yet to confirm the age limit, which will likely be between 14 to 16, Ms Rowland will say the aim of the legislation is for social media companies to develop “develop age-appropriate versions of their apps”.
Apps deemed to be “low risk of harm to children” could also be exempt from the sweeping age limit, however the government is still considering that provision.
Companies will also be given a 12-month implementation time frame to adapt and implement the necessary new rules.
“We are conscious of the harmful features in the design of platforms that drive addictive behaviours,” Ms Rowland will say.
“This is why we will set parameters to guide platforms in designing social media that allows connections, but not harms, to flourish.”
