Tech giants Google and Meta have called on the Australian government to postpone a proposed bill banning most social media use for children under 16, arguing that more time is needed to evaluate its impact.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government aims to pass the bill, among the strictest of its kind globally, by Thursday. Introduced just last week, the bill only allowed one day for public submissions. Google and Meta, in their feedback, emphasized waiting for the results of an age-verification trial before proceeding.
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The proposed verification methods include biometrics or government identification, sparking concerns over its feasibility and impact. Meta stated the bill is “inconsistent and ineffective,” while TikTok and Elon Musk’s X raised alarms about rushed policymaking and potential human rights violations.
Under the bill, platforms, not parents or children, would ensure age-verification measures, with non-compliance risking fines up to AU$49.5 million. The opposition Liberal party is likely to support the legislation, but some independent lawmakers criticized the government for hastily advancing it.
A Senate committee’s report on the bill was expected on Tuesday, but concerns remain over its clarity and consultation with stakeholders, including mental health experts and youth.
