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Google, Meta, and TikTok Push Australia to Delay Social Media Ban for Children Without Full Evaluation

Google and Meta, the tech giants, have asked the Australian government to delay proposed legislation billed to ban almost all forms of social media for children under the age of 16.

The bill will be one of the most strict pieces of social media regulation in the world and is supposed to help protect young Australians from the potential harms that come along with the usage of social media, such as mental health issues and inappropriate exposure.

Tech giants concerned over new social media age bill

The new bill was introduced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government under the proposal of strict age-verification measures for social media platforms. It would require companies like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to make sure people under 16 are kept off the platforms, with companies facing heavy fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) if they did not comply. However, Google and Meta have spoken out about their concerns over the bill being pushed through without adequate consultation and proper evaluation of the possible impact.

Both companies have called on the government to delay implementing a law pending the conclusion of a pilot that examines age-verification mechanisms, including biometrics or government identification for age verification. Meta announced that unless those findings are achieved, the government, industry, and the public will be left without a clear understanding of what measures are needed and the consequences of such measures. Google echoed these sentiments, stressing that proceeding without proper review may cause confusion and have unintended impacts.

TikTok, Google, and Meta Call for Balanced Online Safety Bill

TikTok has also urged for more time. It called the bill "rushed" and said that it lacks clarity. The platform warned that pushing children into unregulated digital spaces may betray the purpose of creating safer online environments. TikTok has also suggested providing age-appropriate spaces for younger users, combined with addressing safety concerns.

Members of the Liberal Party, who are part of the opposition group, have expressed support for the bill, but independent lawmakers have criticized the government's pushing of legislation, which has only been discussed for a few days. A Senate committee is expected to deliver its report on the bill soon, which could lead to further changes.

While the debate over the steps continues, Google and Meta are urging a measured approach to the steps taken for any measure pursued not to fail on both effectiveness and fairness for all Australians.