In response to ongoing concerns regarding the negative impact of social media on young individuals, Australia’s Coalition party has advocated for age verification measures and the implementation of restrictions barring underage children from accessing digital platforms.
The Coalition’s stance aligns with the concerns raised by ASIO chief Mike Burgess and federal police chief Reece Kershaw, who have highlighted the vulnerability of children to extremist propaganda online. They have urged platforms like X and Facebook to assume greater responsibility in protecting youth from harmful content.
The debate has escalated following the refusal of social media platform X’s owner, Elon Musk, to comply with an Australian take-down order regarding footage of the Sydney church stabbing. Musk’s stance has drawn criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has called him “out of touch with the values of Australian families.”