The bill puts the onus to remove harmful content on social media companies and allows users to opt out of having an algorithm control their feed.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
Echuca-based internet safety advocacy group The Phone Pledge is not convinced federal Labor’s proposed ‘Albo-rithm’ will protect children from the threat of social media.
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Group president Stephanie Challis has welcomed the Albanese government’s latest round of promises but isn’t holding her breath it will deliver where it counts.
She said the proposal, with opt-in tailored content, and social media companies forced to protect users from harmful material, sounded great.
But with zero fines dished out by the eSafety Commissioner since the introduction of the under-16s social media ban 10 months ago, this latest bill has been met with scepticism.
“Having this in place for when kids get on to social media is excellent because it means they’re not jumping into the cesspit we have now,” Ms Challis said.
“But the enforcement of the minimum age legislation has been terrible.
“It’s good the onus is now on tech companies, but they have no incentive to change, because if they make things safer for our kids, they lose money.”
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell agrees.
Stephanie Challis said one office can’t police the feeds of millions of teenagers.
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McPherson Media Group
“I supported the minimum age bill, but Labor has demonstrated they aren’t trustworthy when push comes to shove,” Mr Birrell said.
He’s worried the bill may infringe on freedom of speech.
“Some parts of the bill significantly take people’s right away,” he said.
“I’m sympathetic to keeping people safe online, but the line between it and freedom of speech has been crossed here.”
He said the Nationals would not support the bill without amendments.
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