Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)’s Post

Did you know UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s? The UK government is considering a potential ban on social media for under-16s as part of efforts to enhance online safety, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking about the initiative, Kyle emphasized the need for evidence-driven action and pledged to enforce the Online Safety Act (OSA), which demands stricter accountability from tech companies. Inspired by similar steps in Australia, the proposal has sparked debate, with critics arguing it addresses only a fraction of the broader cultural and technological challenges. Meanwhile, the OSA is set to roll out next year, imposing severe penalties on non-compliant platforms and encouraging industry-wide safety measures, such as age verification and restrictions on harmful content. #socialmedia #onlinesafety #nextyear #severepenalties #australia #osa #rollout #mediaban #ukgovernment #peterkyle #techcompany #safetymeasures #ageverification #socialmediaban #theukgovernment #communication #social #media #efforts #effort #government #safety #initiative #technology #evidence #action #act #tech #online #company

⚖️ Australia Sets New Rules for Children on Social Media The complexity and importance of the compliance function continue to grow as technology increasingly encompasses our lives. In this context, horizon scanning and a strong adherence to a stringent compliance culture have become integral parts of modern corporate governance. #SocialMediaRegulation #CorporateGovernance #Australia #Perplexity

A Labor-led parliamentary committee has urged the federal government to appoint a Digital Affairs minister to coordinate the regulation of social media and other digital platforms, including across privacy, competition and online safety. ACCC Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Office of the Australian Information Commissioner eSafety Commissioner #socialmedia #digital #platforms #regulation #privacy #competition #safety #ministry #tech #media

I fully support the idea of banning social media for under-16s. It adds unnecessary pressure, creates another avenue for bullying, and fosters unhealthy competition. With the rise of easily accessible face-altering tools—which, I’ll admit, even I’ve used—it becomes even harder for young people to distinguish reality from manipulated images. This can lead to harmful comparisons and negatively impact their self-esteem and mental well-being during such a critical stage of brain development. Protecting young minds from these influences is crucial.

There is obviously an extensive discussion on Australia's activity regarding banning under-16-year-olds on social media. The move led by Anthony Albanese, the Australian PM, may be popular with voters, but it is not likely to be as productive as it might initially sound. It will take at least a year of consultation before implementation, and then there’s likely to be a transition period, too. It also remains to be seen how effective a ban would be and what unintended consequences such hastily introduced legislation would create. The Australian e-safety commissioner is unsure about its implementation. Australia’s emerging regulatory framework, which is well regarded, might also be undermined by this new ban. Another view is that effective regulation in the UK is poised to make a positive difference in a matter of months. You could argue that impending regulations such as the On-Line Safety Act already encourage services to improve safety. Anyway, here’s an interesting piece about it, including Julie Inman Grant’s thoughts on the challenges it presents her: #socialmedia #onlinesafety

This week, the UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, acceptable retired caller rules for societal media companies - aimed astatine protecting children from harmful contented online. More than 40 measures person been acceptable retired – including making firms alteration their algorithms and execute much rigorous property checks. Around the world, governments are considering – oregon person already passed – akin legislation. Analysis exertion Ros Atkins looks astatine what different countries are doing to effort and support children online. #innovation - #management - #technology - #creativity - #futurism - #startups

The UK government is considering a potential ban on social media for under-16s as part of efforts to enhance online safety, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking about the initiative, Kyle emphasized the need for evidence-driven action and pledged to enforce the Online Safety Act (OSA), which demands stricter accountability from tech companies. Inspired by similar steps in Australia, the proposal has sparked debate, with critics arguing it addresses only a fraction of the broader cultural and technological challenges. Meanwhile, the OSA is set to roll out next year, imposing severe penalties on non-compliant platforms and encouraging industry-wide safety measures, such as age verification and restrictions on harmful content. #socialmedia #australia #rollout #ukgovernment #peterkyle #communication #government #media #technologyisawesome #evidence #tech #critic

I've got too many thoughts about this one (no 3 is probably my biggest question!!): 1) How will it be policed? Kids and teens faking their ages has been happening since the dawn of time; a ban won't stop this. 2) In the context of grooming and CSE, how will this help? Groomers and abusers will still find ways of contacting children and teens. 3) Still in the context of grooming and CSE, will there also be additions to stop 'sharenting' from parents? It's all very well banning children and teens, but what about educating parents? It's estimated that around 50% of child p*rnography images on the internet originate from innocent images shared by parents of their own children; these images are then taken and edited for disgusting purposes. Will such a ban help with this?

In our current digital environment, there is a high prevalence of misinformation and fake news. Before sharing any content, take a moment to fact-check and verify the accuracy of the information.#factchecking #medialiteracycampaign #mediamonitors IMS (International Media Support)