Australia's new social media age limit, restricting access for those under 16, is examined, questioning its effectiveness and broader implications. Cam Wilson, associate editor at Crikey, discusses the law's origins, propelled by media campaigns and concerns over youth well-being, and its implementation challenges, including easy circumvention. The conversation explores the political dynamics, revealing a missed opportunity to incentivize platforms to create safer, child-friendly versions. Instead of a blanket ban, regulators could force tech companies to redesign platforms to align with societal expectations. Wilson raises concerns that the focus on age limits overshadows other potential tech regulations, such as addressing predatory algorithms and prioritizing user safety over corporate interests.
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