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Australian teenagers will need to verify their age on social media and gaming platforms under government plans to crack down on harmful content.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that protecting every child would be difficult, but told parents that the government has “got your back”.
It is believed the age limit will be enforced for children between 14 and 16, with a final decision due to be made after the conclusion of an age-verification trial that finishes this week.
The UK requires users to be at least 13 years old to post on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter.
Mr Albanese said: “We’re listening and determined to act to get this right.
“We know that technology moves fast. No government is going to be able to protect every child from every threat – but we have to do all we can.
“Parents are worried sick about this. We know they’re working without a map – no generation has faced this challenge before.”
The legislation is set to be introduced into parliament before the next election, which is likely to be held next year.
A report commissioned by the South Australian premier, Peter Malinauskas, which outlines a legislative framework for establishing a minimum age, is expected to inform the federal legislation. Mr Malinauskas favours setting the age at 14.
The report, written by former High Court chief justice Robert French, includes a proposed draft bill on setting the age at 14 and requiring social media and other companies to establish parental consent before allowing children aged 14 or 15 to use their platforms.
It calls on social media platforms to stop children in the restricted age category accessing their services and to set up appropriate technology and processes to prevent access.
In support of the federal government, Mr Malinauskas said: “The evidence shows early access to addictive social media is causing our kids harm.
“This is no different to cigarettes or alcohol. When a product or service hurts children, governments must act. We will work closely with the commonwealth to implement this ban, which will be welcomed by parents across the country.”
The UK is trialling a similar scheme but it remains in its infancy and only applies to adult sites, not social media. It calls on companies to verify the ages of users using bank account, phone provider or credit card checks, or using facial ID technology.
