<
https://theconversation.com/tech-solutions-to-limit-kids-access-to-social-media-are-fraught-with-problems-including-privacy-risks-231696>
"A campaign to block children’s access to social media to limit online harms
and unhealthy internet use is picking up momentum in Australian politics. The
current age limit for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is 13,
but some state governments are calling to raise this age to 16.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed these efforts, and the federal
opposition has committed to introducing laws that will bar under 16-year-olds
from social media.
These calls are among the latest attempts to control how young people engage
with culture. From banning children’s books, to limiting television screen
time, and rating music, movies and videogames, society often turns to
government regulation to address moral panics.
Yet, critics explain the desire to control children’s access is “not really
backed by robust science”. They raise privacy concerns about uploading personal
documents (like passports) and providing details unrelated to age (like credit
card numbers) to technology companies. Critics also highlight the social and
informational benefits of online engagement, which may be lost if young people
are banned.
These criticisms are valid, as age assurance technologies have a long way to go
to address these concerns."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
