Freedom of expression

Romania plans TikTok suspension over election concerns

Romania‘s telecoms regulator is set to initiate steps to suspend TikTok, citing potential interference in the recent presidential election. Pavel Popescu, the regulator’s deputy head, announced plans to begin the suspension process on Thursday. The action will remain in place until state authorities conclude their investigation into allegations of electoral manipulation linked to the platform.

The scrutiny comes after TikTok‘s role in Sunday’s election raised concerns about misinformation and influence. Officials are prioritising transparency and security during the ongoing electoral process.

The decision underscores the increasing global attention on social media platforms’ influence on democratic processes.

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.

Social media fine plan dropped in Australia

Australia’s government has abandoned a proposal to fine social media platforms up to 5% of their global revenue for failing to curb online misinformation. The decision follows resistance from various political parties, making the legislation unlikely to pass the Senate.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated the proposal aimed to enhance transparency and hold tech companies accountable for limiting harmful misinformation online. Despite broad public support for tackling misinformation, opposition from conservative and crossbench politicians stalled the plan.

The centre-left Labor government, currently lagging in polls, faces criticism for its approach. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young described the proposed law as a ‘half-baked option,’ adding to calls for more robust measures against misinformation.

Industry group DIGI, including Meta, argued the proposal merely reinforced an existing code. Australia’s tech regulation efforts are part of broader concerns about foreign platforms undermining national sovereignty.

TikTok CEO turns to Elon Musk for guidance

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew recently sought advice from Elon Musk regarding matters tied to the upcoming US administration, according to reports. Chew engaged Musk in discussions about potential policies and their impact on the tech industry.

No specific actions to ensure TikTok’s operations in the US have been confirmed, though ByteDance leadership remains optimistic about maintaining its presence. Reports suggest the company has kept senior executives informed of the talks while exploring various strategic options.

ByteDance reportedly engaged with figures connected to both Trump and Kamala Harris before the US elections to gauge perspectives. These efforts reflect a cautious approach to navigating potential shifts in policy.

Trump, who unsuccessfully attempted to ban TikTok in 2020, has stated he would not support barring the platform if re-elected. The evolving political landscape underscores the stakes for ByteDance and its flagship app in the US.

Elon Musk criticises Australia’s plan to ban social media for kids

Elon Musk has spoken out against Australia’s proposed law to ban social media use for children under 16, calling it a “backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.” The legislation, introduced by Australia’s centre-left government, includes fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for systemic breaches by platforms and aims to enforce an age-verification system.

Australia’s plan is among the world’s strictest, banning underage access without exceptions for parental consent or existing accounts. By contrast, countries like France and the US allow limited access for minors with parental approval or data protections for children. Critics argue Australia’s proposal could set a precedent for tougher global controls.

Musk, who has previously clashed with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, is a vocal advocate for free speech. His platform, X, has faced tensions with Australia, including a legal challenge to content regulation orders earlier this year. Albanese has called Musk an “arrogant billionaire,” underscoring their rocky relationship.

Brendan Carr to lead FCC in Trump’s push for deregulation

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Brendan Carr to lead the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr, an FCC commissioner since 2017, is a familiar figure within the administration and has aligned his policy views with Trump’s conservative agenda, particularly concerning free speech and deregulation. Often criticising tech giants like Alphabet and Meta, accusing them of stifling conservative voices, he has called for revisiting Section 230, which shields platforms from liability over user content. Carr advocates for changes to ensure anti-discrimination norms apply to tech firms and supports laws similar to those in Texas and Florida, enforcing platforms to accept diverse viewpoints. The US Supreme Court, however, is cautious about potential First Amendment conflicts, preserving platforms’ rights to moderate content.

Carr’s proposals extend to involving tech companies in funding the Universal Service Fund, which supports communication infrastructure, arguing their financial involvement is justified. Historically, tech firms have resisted this initiative, citing their substantial investments in infrastructure. Additionally, Carr opposes net neutrality, viewing it as restrictive to innovation. His experience includes contributing to repealing net neutrality under previous FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, with Carr arguing that alleged negative impacts, such as increased costs, did not materialise.

Removing Chinese telecom tech from US networks on national security grounds is also part of Carr’s agenda, seeking additional funding to replace it due to security concerns. He also labels TikTok a national threat, though Trump has softened his stance.

One of Carr’s crucial policy stances is to improve rural internet access through technologies like Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, considering them cost-effective solutions. His agenda pushes for a deregulatory approach, reducing local government and regulatory barriers in telecom infrastructure to encourage growth and innovation.

Carr’s tenure is anticipated to bolster free speech and minimise regulation, aligning with Trump’s advocacy. However, his policies will likely stir debate, especially around balancing constitutional rights and industry demands. This approach suggests a potentially transformative phase for the FCC, marked by contentious discussions over free speech, regulation, and innovation under Trump’s forthcoming presidency.

German football club exits social media platform X over concerns of hate speech and disinformation

German soccer club St Pauli has announced its withdrawal from the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, citing concerns over hate speech and disinformation. The club accused X’s owner, Elon Musk, of turning the platform into a space for unchecked racism and conspiracy theories, particularly during Germany’s heated political climate ahead of snap elections in February.

St Pauli, known for its progressive values and activism, said X has become a “hate machine” where threats and insults go unpunished under the guise of free speech. The decision mirrors similar moves by media outlets such as The Guardian and Spain’s La Vanguardia, which also left X over concerns about harmful content.

While the German club’s account will remain online as an archive, St Pauli will no longer post new content. The Hamburg-based team, celebrated for its left-wing fan base and social initiatives, stated the decision aligns with its commitment to promoting inclusivity and combating hate.

Ireland intensifies regulation on digital platforms to curb terrorist content

The Irish media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has mandated that online platforms TikTok, X, and Meta must take decisive steps to prevent the spread of terrorist content on their services, giving them three months to report on their progress.

This action follows notifications from EU authorities under the Terrorist Content Online Regulation. If the platforms fail to comply, the regulator can impose fines of up to four percent of their global revenue.

This decision aligns with Ireland’s broader enforcement of digital laws, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and a new online safety code. The DSA has already prompted investigations, such as the European Commission’s probe into X last December, and Ireland’s new safety code will impose binding content moderation rules for video-sharing platforms with European headquarters in Ireland. These initiatives aim to curb the spread of harmful and illegal content on major social media platforms.

Guardian pulls out of X amid content concerns

The Guardian has announced its departure from X, citing concerns over harmful content, such as racist and conspiracy-based posts. The decision marks a significant retreat for one of the UK’s prominent news outlets from the social media platform, which Elon Musk acquired in 2022. According to an editorial, the Guardian stated that the downsides of remaining on X now outweigh any potential benefits.

With over 10.7 million followers, the Guardian’s exit reflects rising concerns about X’s moderation policies. Critics argue that Musk’s relaxed approach has fostered an environment that tolerates misinformation and hate speech. Musk responded to the Guardian’s decision by dismissing the publication as “irrelevant” on X.

The Guardian’s move comes as other high-profile users, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, also announce plans to leave X. Lemon expressed disappointment in the platform, saying it no longer supports meaningful debate. The UK has seen an increase in concerns about X’s impact, with British police, charities, and public health organisations also reconsidering their use of the platform.

The British government, however, still maintains a presence on X, though it refrains from paid promotions. Instead, it directs advertising efforts towards platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Observers note that the Guardian’s exit may prompt other media outlets to evaluate their stance on social media engagement.

Australia’s proposed ban on social media for under-16s sparks global debate on youth digital exposure

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a groundbreaking proposal on Thursday to implement a social media ban for children under 16. The proposed legislation would require social media platforms to verify users’ ages and ensure that minors are not accessing their services. Platforms that fail to comply would face substantial fines, while users or their parents would not face penalties for violating the law. Albanese emphasised that this initiative aims to protect children from the harmful effects of social media, stressing that parents and families could count on the government’s support.

The bill would not allow exemptions for children whose parents consent to their use of social media, and it would not ‘grandfather’ existing users who are underage. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube would be directly affected by the legislation. Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, mentioned that these platforms had been consulted on how the law could be practically enforced, but no exemptions would be granted.

While some experts have voiced concerns about the blanket nature of the proposed ban, suggesting that it might not be the most effective solution, social media companies, including Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), have expressed support for age verification and parental consent tools. Last month, over 140 international experts signed an open letter urging the government to reconsider the approach. This debate echoes similar discussions in the US, where there have been efforts to restrict children’s access to social media for mental health reasons.