Digital identities

Australia’s new social media ban faces backlash from Big Tech

Australia’s new law banning children under 16 from using social media has sparked strong criticism from major tech companies. The law, passed late on Thursday, targets platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, imposing fines of up to A$49.5 million for allowing minors to log in. Tech giants, including TikTok and Meta, argue that the legislation was rushed through parliament without adequate consultation and could have harmful unintended consequences, such as driving young users to less visible, more dangerous parts of the internet.

The law was introduced after a parliamentary inquiry into the harmful effects of social media on young people, with testimony from parents of children who had been bullied online. While the Australian government had warned tech companies about the impending legislation for months, the bill was fast-tracked in a chaotic final session of parliament. Critics, including Meta, have raised concerns about the lack of clear evidence linking social media to mental health issues and question the rushed process.

Despite the backlash, the law has strong political backing, and the government is set to begin a trial of enforcement methods in January, with the full ban expected to take effect by November 2025. Australia’s long-standing tensions with major US-based tech companies, including previous legislation requiring platforms to pay for news content, are also fueling the controversy. As the law moves forward, both industry representatives and lawmakers face challenges in determining how it will be practically implemented.

Mixed reactions as Australia bans social media for minors

Australia’s recent approval of a social media ban for children under 16 has sparked mixed reactions nationwide. While the government argues that the law sets a global benchmark for protecting youth from harmful online content, critics, including tech giants like TikTok, warn that it could push minors to darker corners of the internet. The law, which will fine platforms like Meta’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok up to A$49.5 million if they fail to enforce it, takes effect one year after a trial period begins in January.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the importance of protecting children’s physical and mental health, citing the harmful impact of social media on body image and misogynistic content. Despite widespread support—77% of Australians back the measure—many are divided. Some, like Sydney resident Francesca Sambas, approve of the ban, citing concerns over inappropriate content, while others, like Shon Klose, view it as an overreach that undermines democracy. Young people, however, expressed their intent to bypass the restrictions, with 11-year-old Emma Wakefield saying she would find ways to access social media secretly.

This ban positions Australia as the first country to impose such a strict regulation, ahead of other countries like France and several US states that have restrictions based on parental consent. The swift passage of the law, which was fast-tracked through parliament, has drawn criticism from social media companies, which argue the law was rushed and lacked proper scrutiny. TikTok, in particular, warned that the law could worsen risks to children rather than protect them.

The move has also raised concerns about Australia’s relationship with the United States, as figures like Elon Musk have criticised the law as a potential overreach. However, Albanese defended the law, drawing parallels to age-based restrictions on alcohol, and reassured parents that while enforcement may not be perfect, it’s a necessary step to protect children online.

Australia enacts groundbreaking law banning under-16s from social media

Australia has approved a groundbreaking law banning children under 16 from accessing social media, following a contentious debate. The new regulation targets major tech companies like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, which will face fines of up to A$49.5 million if they allow minors to log in. Starting with a trial period in January, the law is set to take full effect in 2025. The move comes amid growing global concerns about the mental health impact of social media on young people, with several countries considering similar restrictions.

The law, which marks a significant political win for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has received widespread public support, with 77% of Australians backing the ban. However, it has faced opposition from privacy advocates, child rights groups, and social media companies, which argue the law was rushed through without adequate consultation. Critics also warn that it could inadvertently harm vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQIA or migrant teens, by cutting them off from supportive online communities.

Despite the backlash, many parents and mental health advocates support the ban, citing concerns about social media’s role in exacerbating youth mental health issues. High-profile campaigns and testimonies from parents of children affected by cyberbullying have helped drive public sentiment in favour of the law. However, some experts warn the ban could have unintended consequences, pushing young people toward more dangerous corners of the internet where they can avoid detection.

The law also has the potential to strain relations between Australia and the United States, as tech companies with major US ties, including Meta and X, have voiced concerns about its implications for internet freedom. While these companies have pledged to comply, there remain significant questions about how the law will be enforced and whether it can achieve its intended goals without infringing on privacy or digital rights.

Uber expands gig workforce for AI data labeling

Uber is expanding its gig worker ecosystem with a new initiative aimed at data labeling and AI annotation. The new division, called Scaled Solutions, provides services not only for Uber’s internal needs but also for outside clients like self-driving car company Aurora Innovation and game developer Niantic. This move highlights Uber’s effort to diversify beyond its core ride-hailing and delivery businesses.

The company has started recruiting contractors across multiple countries, including the US, Canada, and India. Scaled Solutions aims to tap into the booming demand for data annotation services, a critical component for training AI models. The initiative positions Uber in a growing market dominated by companies like Scale AI, which recently secured a $1B funding round at a $13.8B valuation.

Uber’s entry into data labeling reflects its push to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI world. By leveraging its gig workforce model, the company could establish a foothold in this high-demand sector while diversifying its revenue streams.

Australian parliament advances social media restrictions for kids

Australia’s House of Representatives passed a groundbreaking bill on Wednesday aiming to ban social media use for children under 16. The bill, supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government and the opposition, introduces strict measures requiring platforms to implement age-verification systems. Companies could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for breaches. The Senate will debate the bill next, with Albanese pushing for its approval before the year ends.

The law follows an emotional inquiry that highlighted cyberbullying’s devastating effects, including testimony from parents of children who self-harmed. While advocates argue the ban will protect young people’s mental health, critics, including youth groups and human rights organisations, warn it risks cutting off teens from vital social connections. Tech giants like Google, Meta, and TikTok have urged the government to delay the legislation until a proposed age-verification trial concludes in 2025.

Despite these concerns, public opinion overwhelmingly supports the ban, with recent polls showing 77% approval. Parent advocacy groups have praised the initiative as a critical step in addressing the negative impacts of social media on children. However, critics within parliament and civil rights groups have called for more nuanced solutions, emphasising the importance of balancing protection with privacy and self-expression rights.

If passed, Australia will become a global leader in stringent social media regulations, but the debate over how best to safeguard young users while respecting their freedoms is far from over.

Meta proposes EU standards for teen safety online

Meta has proposed a unified system for age verification and safety standards across the EU to better protect teenagers online. The plan includes requiring parental approval for app downloads by users under 16, with app stores notifying parents for consent. Meta also advocates for consistent age-appropriate content guidelines and supervision tools for teens that parents can manage.

The proposal follows calls from incoming EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen, who emphasised protecting minors as a priority. Meta’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, highlighted the fragmented nature of current European regulations, urging the adoption of uniform rules to ensure better protections for teens.

Although some EU frameworks like the Digital Services Act and Audiovisual Media Services Directive touch on youth safety, the lack of EU-wide standards leaves much to member states. Meta’s proposal aligns with ongoing discussions around the Child Sexual Abuse Material regulation, which aims to enhance online protections for minors.

Snap challenges New Mexico lawsuit alleging child exploitation risks

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has filed a motion to dismiss a New Mexico lawsuit accusing it of enabling child sexual exploitation on its platform. The lawsuit, brought by Attorney General Raul Torrez in September, claims Snapchat exposed minors to abuse and failed to warn parents about sextortion risks. Snap refuted the allegations, calling them ‘patently false,’ and argued that the state’s decoy investigation misrepresented key facts.

The lawsuit stems from a broader push by US lawmakers to hold tech firms accountable for harm to minors. Investigators claimed a decoy account for a 14-year-old girl received explicit friend suggestions despite no user activity. Snap countered that the account actively sent friend requests, disputing the state’s findings.

Snap further argued that the lawsuit violates Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability for user-generated content. It also invoked the First Amendment, stating the company cannot be forced to provide warnings about subjective risks without clear guidelines.

Defending its safety efforts, Snap highlighted its increased investment in trust and safety teams and collaboration with law enforcement. The company said it remains committed to protecting users while contesting what it views as an unjustified legal challenge.

Thai government expands digital wallet scheme

The Thai government will extend its digital wallet scheme to a second phase, covering four million people and distributing 40 billion baht, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Around 14.5 million people benefitted from the initial phase, which was part of a nationwide economic stimulus effort aimed at boosting consumer spending.

The programme is expected to reach a total of 45 million individuals once fully implemented, cementing its role as a flagship government initiative.

Officials in Thailand are positioning the digital wallet scheme as a cornerstone of the country’s recovery strategy, with significant investments planned to stimulate growth.

AI voice theft sparks David Attenborough’s outrage

David Attenborough has criticised American AI firms for cloning his voice to narrate partisan reports. Outlets such as The Intellectualist have used his distinctive voice for topics including US politics and the war in Ukraine.

The broadcaster described these acts as ‘identity theft’ and expressed profound dismay over losing control of his voice after decades of truthful storytelling. Scarlett Johansson has faced a similar issue, with AI mimicking her voice for an online persona called ‘Sky’.

Experts warn that such technology poses risks to reputations and legacies. Dr Jennifer Williams of Southampton University highlighted the troubling implications for Attenborough’s legacy and authenticity in the public eye.

Regulations to prevent voice cloning remain absent, raising concerns about its misuse. The Intellectualist has yet to comment on Attenborough’s allegations.

Philippines to pilot biometric passenger system at airports

The Philippines Department of Transportation and UltraPass ID have partnered to pilot a biometric passenger processing system at selected airports following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing. The pilot test is scheduled to begin in early 2025 at Iloilo International Airport, with additional testing planned for Tacloban, Laoag, and Bicol International Airport later in the year.

The system, which embeds biometric data in passports, is designed to streamline airport operations by swiftly enabling passengers to pass through check-in, security, and boarding gates, enhancing both convenience and security. The implementation will occur in two phases – Phase 1 will involve Filipino passengers using the national ID, while Phase 2 will cater to foreign passengers with e-passports travelling domestically. Additionally, the system will integrate with the Philippine national ID system, which aims to reduce processing times and provide a touchless, more efficient airport experience.

Furthermore, this initiative is part of the US Smart Cities Trade Mission, which features 12 US companies from various sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, and tourism. These companies are already contributing to the growth of key Philippine industries, including the digital economy, semiconductors, and tourism.

Through this partnership, the Philippines aims to improve its airport operations and strengthen trade and investment opportunities. In doing so, the involvement of US companies sets high standards for labour practices, environmental responsibility, and corporate social engagement.