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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TradEmily · 26-30, F

kids shouldn’t have social media at all imho

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@TradEmily

Let parents parent.

TradEmily · 26-30, F

@beckyromero Do you think it’s censorship that under 18 can’t vote - what about under 13 not being allowed on many forums

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@TradEmily

That's a Constitutional amendment issue regarding voting age in the U.S.

TradEmily · 26-30, F

@beckyromero but do you take it as an infringement of free speech. What about the under 13 online?

Roundandroundwego · 61-69

@beckyromero despite the fact that you can't beat the algorithm. Let's all be failures! Nothing you can really do. Just whine and complain and blame the parents for the government failure to regulate dangerous products.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@TradEmily

but do you take it as an infringement of free speech. What about the under 13 online?

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances

If SW wants to prohibit those 13 or under from using its website, it can do so. But the government cannot pass a law telling SW that it must do so.

If the government does so anyway, well, that's what is called a constitutional crisis.

22Michelle · 70-79, T

@beckyromero That is both the best and worst advice I've ever heard.

Lila15 · 22-25, F

@TradEmily Private companies can limit access to their products and services any way they like, as long as it doesn't restrict anyone's civil rights. That being said, I doubt if a site having a rule that kids under 13 can't access them has stopped anyone. It's more of a CYA issue. Another example would be if you go to a site that sells alcohol, and you have to click a box saying that you're above the legal drinking age where you live. That doesn't prevent kids from browsing those sites or even purchasing from them, but it does allow the site to say "hey, it's not like we're not doing anything."

beckyromero · 36-40, F

@Lila15

If you go to a site that sells alcohol ... That doesn't prevent kids from browsing those sites or even purchasing from them...

Purchasing them how? Perhaps with stolen or falsified payment credentials (or with the illegal permission of the seller).

But not with a legal credit card in the minor's name without parental consent to be given the credit card in the first place.

Parents and guardians can restrict access to cable tv, cell phones, computers, etc. Parents need to parent.

We don't need a nanny state.