Australia wants to ban social networks for children – Internet search engine warns of risks

Google warns that Australia will have difficulty enforcing a new law that prohibits people under the age of 16 from using social networks. According to the company, the legislation will not ensure greater online safety for children and could lead to undesirable consequences.

Australia will be the first country in the world to introduce such a ban, and technology companies worldwide are watching this initiative closely. Instead of requiring actual proof of age, platforms will be required to use artificial intelligence and behavioral data to estimate age.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, has now been added to the list of platforms subject to the new rules. It was originally exempt from the ban due to its educational use. However, Google disagrees, emphasizing that YouTube is a video-sharing platform, not a social network.

Company representative Rachel Lord emphasized that while the goal of the law is good, it is ineffective. In her opinion, the solution is not to cut children off from the internet, but to provide high-quality tools for parents and a safe online environment. Companies have until December 10 to implement the new rules.

(reuters, max)