Australia is considering legislation that would allow parents to ban social media platforms from sharing information about their children. In response, leading tech companies Google and Meta (previously known as Facebook Inc before its rebranding in 2021) have urged the Australian government to delay this proposal. They argue that the legislation would create obstacles for tech companies and could potentially harm users’ experiences.
Google and Meta have suggested that Australia adopt their approach to safeguarding children’s information. Both companies implement stringent measures to protect children’s privacy on their platforms, including age restrictions, parental controls, and privacy settings that can be customized by users.
However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and emphasize the need to give parents complete control over their children’s online activities. For many, the proposed legislation represents a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The tech giants have proposed a series of alternative approaches to the issue, including the development of more comprehensive education and digital literacy programs. They believe that this would enable young users to navigate the online world more safely and responsibly.
The Australian government is currently reviewing the public feedback gathered on the proposed legislation before it forms a final decision.
