Worldwide Censorship Is Coming... and Australia May Be the Blame.

Australia launches youth social media ban it says will be the world's 'first domino'

More than 1 million social media accounts held by users under 16 are set to be deactivated in Australia in a divisive world-first ban that is being closely watched elsewhere.

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/australia-launches-youth-social-media-ban-rcna246730

This will require internet users to identify themselves so as to prove they are an adult (or 16+ in Australia's case).

This will allow governments to track down and punish anyone who writes anything they don't like.

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22Michelle · 70-79, T

The ban is an attempt to reduce, if not end, the damage to children from social media, eg cyber bullying. Will it work, what problems will emerge?
Personally I'm sympathetic to the aims, but doubtful it will succeed, if they can even define what success means. However, the Australian Government is not the Trump Maga insanity, so we may actually learn something. And it may just pressurise the social media companies to take more responsibility for their products impact on children.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@22Michelle

The ban is an attempt to reduce, if not end, the damage to children from social media, eg cyber bullying.

Convenient excuse, when the better solution is for parents to password protect their computers.

Teachers and librarians and business can do the same.

Lila15 · 22-25, F

@beckyromero That won't stop kids from accessing the internet with burner phones.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@Lila15

Banning guns wont stop people from killing themselves, either.

Platinum · M

@Lila15 they had a young girl from Australia on tv this morning saying we will get round it, one way or another..

22Michelle · 70-79, T

@beckyromero Yes they can, but the evidence, from every country, is that they majority don't.
As before I have my doubts that this will succeed, but Governments are being pressurised to do something. If nothing this may actually put the responsibility on parents - you don't want your kids online then don"t buy them the latest phones. Or if you do make sure you have control of how much time they have access, that you can block sites you deem unsuitable.
Nb I admit that this is a problem that may be overblown and if not there isn't going to be one solution.

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

@beckyromero really? Good thing facts don't matter any more than your lives.

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

@Platinum she slammed the table, shouted and told the legislature that they know less about how to use social media than kids, and therefore they don't matter. Addiction. On display, with threats.

Lila15 · 22-25, F

@beckyromero I don't think banning guns is a good idea, either.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@Lila15

Depends on what type of guns.

If you say none, then I want by 16" naval rifle.

Stop any home invaders before they get within 20 miles.