eSafety Commissioner Asserts Authority in Social Media Ban
Julie Inman-Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, stated that her focus is on enforcing Parliament’s decision regarding the social media ban. She emphasized that her role is not to support but to uphold the laws, particularly concerning the ban on social media for individuals under 16, with fines imposed on corporations failing to prevent minors from having accounts. Inman-Grant highlighted the importance of a nationally consistent approach to such regulations and reiterated her commitment to carrying out Parliament’s will.
She underscored the necessity of ensuring that vulnerable children can still engage online while implementing protective measures aligned with children’s rights to communication and expression. Inman-Grant also shared insights from her recent trip to Europe, where discussions centered on enhancing online safety through features like “safety by design” on digital platforms.
Responding to questions about Elon Musk’s potential role in the Trump administration, Inman Grant clarified that her primary concern is safeguarding Australians’ online safety, regardless of individuals like Musk. She reaffirmed her dedication to regulating without bias to ensure the protection of Australians online. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland outlined the scope of the social media ban, which includes platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, among others, while exempting messaging apps to maintain communication channels with family and friends.
The Coalition government is collaborating with the Parliament to finalize the legislation, with bipartisan support for the age limit on social media users. However, there have been internal concerns within the Coalition regarding data collection and age verification processes related to the ban. Legislation related to the ban is currently under scrutiny, with some senators expressing apprehensions about the speed of the process.
