Social media companies will bear the responsibility to block childrens’ access to their platforms as the communications minister mulls an appropriate age limit.
Michelle Rowland is reviewing a minimum age of between 14 and 16 years to access social media, with legislation to be introduced before the end of November.
There won’t be penalties for children or parents.
“Instead, it will be incumbent on the platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place,” an excerpt of the minister’s planned speech to a social media summit on Friday reads.
Exemptions for social media platforms that demonstrate a low risk of harm to children are being considered.
“The aim is to create positive incentives for digital platforms to develop age-appropriate versions of their apps,” Ms Rowland is expected to say.
“We are conscious of the harmful features in the design of platforms that drive addictive behaviours.
“This is why we will set parameters to guide platforms in designing social media that allows connections, but not harms, to flourish.”
She pointed to Meta introducing account restrictions for young people on Instagram.
“So the platforms have the capacity to do more and they should be doing more,” she told ABC TV ahead of her speech.
A trial of age verification technology has shown technology giants can enforce age limits, she said.
There will be a 12-month timeframe for the industry to adapt to any laws and changes brought in by the federal government.
The NSW and South Australian governments are convening a two-day social media summit that started on Thursday.
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