We will stand firm against the tech giants, says Anika Wells
Anika Wells vows to defend Australia’s world-leading under-16 social media ban against tech giant legal challenges as the law takes effect.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has vowed to “stand firm” against looming legal challenges and pressure from technology giants as the government’s under 16s social media ban comes into effect on Wednesday.
Facing ongoing pressure over taxpayer-funded travel expenses, Ms Wells will on Wednesday seek to draw attention back to one of the key areas of her portfolio, while warning social media platforms that Labor would defend the ban against any challenge they brought on.
“When it comes to online safety, the Albanese government is on the side of kids, parents and families, not platforms,” she said.
“We are proud of our world-leading social media laws.
“We are proud of the parents and families who called for their implementation.”
It comes as Reddit on Tuesday confirmed it would implement new safety features to comply with the ban in the wake of reports the platform was preparing to launch a legal challenge against the policy, which it argued would limit freedom of political communication.
“Users confirmed to be under 16 will have their accounts suspended under the new Australian minimum age law,” Reddit said in a statement on Tuesday.
“While we disagree about the scope, effectiveness and privacy implications of this law, as of Dec 10 we’re making some changes in line with these requirements.”
The opposition to the ban from tech platforms and some members of the Coalition comes as the government faces pressure from within Labor to go even further.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas on Tuesday announced his government would spearhead efforts to delay the introduction of smart phones into the lives of Australian kids.
The multimillion-dollar initiative, Wait Mate, will see a communications campaign run across the state and a program offered up to parents of primary school-aged children in 2026.
Parents of high school-age children will be offered the program, which provides take-home packs and other materials, a year later.
After calling on the federal government last year to follow his lead and ban under-16s from social media, Mr Malinauskas is believed to aim to do the same with the smart phone program.
“The window for a developing mind is so narrow, and by withholding a smart phone we are protecting that window of development,” he said. “Everyone respects the power of these platforms and tools and devices, but what we now know is they’re doing young minds harm … it’s no different to alcohol, cigarettes or driving cars.”
The former High Court chief justice responsible for modelling SA’s draft social media legislation in 2024, Robert French, said the federal scheme would “undoubtedly be a work in progress” but he was “reasonably optimistic” it was an important public policy step.
“It will also provide a much needed support to parents who have concerns about social media based on their children from on the ground experience of its effects,” he said.
While some Coalition MPs have raised concerns over the workability of the social media ban, opposition education spokesman Julian Leeser said he was supportive of the policy and would also be open to initiatives to limit smartphone use, as proposed by the SA government.
“Social media has become a tool for bullying and worse, and too many young people are being harmed by what appears on their screens,” he told The Australian.
Mr Leeser revealed that in a show of support for the policy, he would stay off social media between Christmas and Australia Day.
More Coverage
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout