Facebook has responded to the Morrison government’s world-first social media code, which would protect teenagers from the pitfalls of such sites.
Attorney-General Michaelia Cash yesterday revealed the proposed Privacy Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Online Privacy and Other Measures) Bill 2021, which will require parental permission for users under sixteen to sign up to Facebook and other social media sites.
“While some platforms have taken positive steps, many others continue to turn a blind eye to the harm to children when their personal information is misused,” Cash said.
“This world-leading legislation will ensure that the interests of the child always come before the commercial interests of big tech companies.
“Understandably, parents expect their children’s personal information to be protected from those that would do them harm online.”
The code will apply to social media services and online platforms with more than 2.5 million users.
“We’ve been actively calling for privacy regulation and understand the importance of ensuring Australia’s privacy laws evolve at a comparable pace to the rate of innovation and new technology we’re experiencing today,” Facebook’s director of public policy for Australia and New Zealand Mia Garlick said.
“We have supported the development of international codes around young people’s data, like the UK Age Appropriate Design Code.
“We’re reviewing the draft Bill and discussion paper released today, and look forward to working with the Australian government on this further.”
