Calls for Social Media Age Verification Increase
Australian children might face restrictions on certain websites amidst a dispute between Australian politicians and billionaire Elon Musk, reigniting the need for age verification technology.
The debate over whether graphic content should be allowed on social media platforms has escalated, as X (formerly Twitter) resists a directive from the eSafety Commissioner to remove content depicting a stabbing at a Sydney church.
Simultaneously, Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform, and Australian political figures are engaging in a verbal clash, with Senator Jacqui Lambie being labeled an “enemy of the people” by Musk after calling him a “social media knob,” and the prime minister referring to him as an “arrogant billionaire.”
Opposition communications spokesperson David Coleman has also joined the conversation, highlighting the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health and advocating for the testing of age verification technology.
“It’s unacceptable,” he stated in an interview with ABC radio on Tuesday. “We cannot consciously allow young children to be exposed to such distressing content on a daily basis.”
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“That’s why taking action is so crucial.”
In March 2023, the online safety watchdog outlined a plan for age verification, primarily aimed at addressing the impact of online pornography on children, but with potential broader applications.
The eSafety report suggested initial trials of various age verification options, recognizing that different technologies have their own limitations.
For instance, ID-based solutions may exclude individuals without proper documentation, and facial recognition can be prone to inaccuracies.
As X contests the takedown order from the watchdog in the Federal Court, it has temporarily restricted access to graphic content related to the April 15 incident.
The eSafety Commissioner argues that geoblocking, rather than a complete removal, does not fully comply with their directive.
A representative from the eSafety Commissioner clarified that the takedown notice only pertained to videos of the specific stabbing event, not to related commentary or public debates.
However, Elon Musk has challenged the global takedown order, arguing that the Australian agency cannot dictate what users overseas can view and that it contradicts principles of free speech.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland refrained from commenting on jurisdiction while the case is ongoing but emphasized that the commissioner acted within the boundaries of the law passed by parliament.
Addressing concerns about consistency, Ms. Rowland explained that the takedown order for the stabbing video differed from other graphic content due to the event being classified as a terrorist act.
Class one materials encompass content depicting real violence with significant impact presented in a gratuitous manner that is likely to offend.
“In this instance, the high impact is attributed to the terrorism designation of this particular event,” Ms. Rowland added.
Despite efforts, a video showing a boy stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a sermon at Christ the Good Shepherd Church remained accessible on Facebook.
Ms. Rowland urged individuals to report such videos rather than share them, emphasizing the need to prevent vulnerable individuals from exposure to content that could lead to radicalization or exploitation.
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beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for individuals aged 5 to 25)
