Social media harmed children in Oz
"There's widespread criticism from many experts, lawmakers and parents —even kids —who feel social media companies are hiding from genuine action and accountability on these issues. As Australia's social media ban was considered, then formulated, the firms had little to say publicly.
"'Hiding from the public discourse… it just breeds more suspicion and more distrust,' Mr Scheeler says [former Facebook Australia chief Stephen Scheeler].
"Privately though, many were seeking to bend the government's ear. [Snap boss Evan] Spiegel personally sat down with Australia's Communications Minister Anika Wells. She also claimed YouTube had sent globally renowned children's entertainers The Wiggles to lobby on their behalf.
"In carefully worded public statements, several of the firms have tried to push responsibility elsewhere. Meta and Snap both said operators of the major app stores —namely Apple and Google —should take on age verification duties.
"And many argued government is overstepping. Parents know best, they say, and they should decide what makes sense for their teens when it comes to social media use."
Comments
Post a Comment
Empathy recommended