Australia's proposed social media ban for children faces global backlash, with Elon Musk leading the charge against the stringent regulations.
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| Billionaire Elon Musk criticizes Australia's proposed law to ban social media for under-16s, arguing it's an excessive measure that could limit internet freedom. Symbolic image |
Sydney, Australia - November 22, 2024:
Elon Musk, the outspoken CEO of X (formerly Twitter), has taken aim at Australia's latest proposed legislation that aims to ban social media use for children under 16. The bill, introduced by the country's center-left government, seeks to impose hefty fines on social media platforms that fail to comply with the age verification system.
Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech advocate, expressed his disapproval on X, suggesting that the bill could be a veiled attempt to control internet access for all Australians. This latest clash between Musk and the Australian government highlights a growing global debate about the appropriate regulation of social media, particularly when it comes to protecting children.
While several countries have implemented measures to restrict children's access to social media, Australia's proposed policy is among the most stringent. Unlike some other countries, Australia's bill does not provide exemptions for parental consent or existing accounts.
This isn't the first time Musk has clashed with the Australian government. Previous disagreements include disputes over social media policies and the country's misinformation laws. In April, X even took legal action against an Australian cyber regulator over content removal orders.
As the global conversation around social media regulation continues, Australia's proposed ban on social media for children is likely to spark further debate and potential legal challenges.