MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — During a Senate committee meeting on Monday, Sunita Bose, managing director of Digital Industry Group Inc., urged Australian lawmakers to postpone legislation aimed at banning children under 16 from major social media platforms. Instead of rushing the bill through Parliament this week, she advocated for a delay until next year, emphasizing that more time is needed for proper evaluation.
Bose’s organization represents several prominent social media platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. She was addressing concerns about a pioneering piece of legislation introduced to Parliament the previous week, which intends to impose fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million) on platforms failing to prevent young children from creating accounts.
According to Bose, it is crucial for Parliament to wait for the completion of a government-commissioned assessment of age assurance technologies, expected by June. “Parliament is being asked to pass a bill without a clear understanding of its practical implications,” she stated.
The proposed law, supported by major political parties, is anticipated to pass by Thursday and would come into force one year after it becomes official, allowing platforms adequate time to develop solutions that also prioritize user privacy.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland expressed her eagerness to review the Senate committee’s findings regarding the proposed legislation, which she believes will empower parents to prevent their children from accessing social media prematurely. “Social media, as it currently exists, poses significant risks for young users,” Rowland commented. She highlighted that growing up involves more than just being glued to screens filled with notifications and unrealistic portrayals pushed by influencers.
During the hearing, Bose faced pointed inquiries from several senators who questioned the effectiveness of current age restrictions. Opposition Senator Ross Cadell raised concerns about his 10-year-old stepson’s access to multiple platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat, despite their minimum age policy of 13. In response, Bose acknowledged that the industry needs enhancements to its user verification practices.
She warned that imposing a social media ban could push children towards more dangerous online environments rather than safeguarding them, igniting strong reactions from other committee members. Opposition Senator Sarah Henderson criticized her statement, accusing Bose of prioritizing the interests of major tech companies over child safety.
Senator Jacqui Lambie questioned why social media platforms had not better utilized their algorithms to block harmful content directed at children, pointing out that these very algorithms often keep children addicted to their services. “Your platforms have the ability to address this issue; the only factor inhibiting progress is corporate greed,” Lambie asserted.
Bose contended that existing algorithms are already in place to filter harmful content, such as nudity, and insisted on the importance of continued investment in refining these digital safeguards. However, when pressed by Senator Dave Sharma, she admitted uncertainty about the advertising revenues generated from Australian youths by the platforms she represents.
Officials from the Communications Department reiterated the importance of the forthcoming evaluation on age assurance technologies, which will measure not only their effectiveness but also how they handle security and privacy. Deputy Secretary James Chisholm highlighted that extensive consultations had taken place prior to proposing age restrictions, confirming, “We believe it is a realistic and beneficial approach.”
