Daily London
Amnesty International says the ban is an “ineffective quick fix” that will not help protect kids.
“The most effective way to protect children and young people online is by protecting all social media users through better regulation, stronger data protection laws and better platform design,” Amnesty Tech program director Damini Satija said.
“Robust safeguards are needed to ensure social media platforms stop exposing users to harms through their relentless pursuit of user engagement and exploitation of people’s personal data.”
Satija said the platforms’ practices were harmful to younger users, but that kids had the right to “express themselves online, access information, and participate in the digital town square”.
“Many young people will no doubt find ways to avoid the restrictions. A ban simply means they will continue to be exposed to the same harms but in secret, leaving them at even greater risk,” she said.
“The Australian government must empower young people with education and tools to navigate social media safely.
“It must also put pressure on social media platforms to stop putting profit over the safety of users. We must build a pathway towards a digitally safe society, relying on regulation as one of the tools at our disposal.”
