The Greens have called on the Federal Government to announce measures that will tackle the predatory business models of the tech giants, saying an age ban alone won’t make social media safer.
They reiterated their call for laws that ban the use of predatory algorithms, data harvesting and advertising that targets young people.
Greens Spokesperson for Communications and Deputy Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“Australian parents are rightfully worried about the toxic nature of social media and the harm it can do. We don’t want to just kick young people off TikTok or Youtube, we need to make the platforms safer and age appropriate.
“If the PM wants to make social media safer then he must ban the social media giants from targeting our kids with algorithms and advertising, and from data harvesting, especially of private information.
“Parents are worried about the safety of their kids online but they also know unless platforms are forced to clean up their act, their child won’t be safe online when they turn 16 either.
“The Government has made this announcement today before its own Inquiry, established to examine an age limit ban, has reported. Overwhelmingly experts have told the Committee that a ban alone will not keep our young people safe or make platforms safer. Many witnesses noted the importance of teaching young people how to use social media and implored the Committee to understand that there are many positive benefits to being online, particularly for marginalised kids.
“The Government’s own online safety expert, the e-Safety Commissioner, has recommended a multi-pronged approach that encourages platforms to be safe by design. The PM must listen to experts ahead of News Corp and Peter Dutton.
“When legislation is eventually introduced, it will need to be examined thoroughly. The Greens will be looking for measures that finally regulate these global platforms and stop them profiting off the suffering of everyone, not just our kids.
“Our online spaces should be safe for everyone and they should be safe whatever age young people get online. The EU and other countries have led the way and it’s time Australia followed.”