The Albanese Government has quietly rushed through last-minute changes to its world-first social media ban as the first major legal test looms. Source: News.com.au.
Under updated rules registered on Wednesday, “age-restricted social media platforms” – those targeted by the under-16 social media ban – were bolstered to include services with algorithms “designed to be addictive” and provide a “constant dopamine hit”.
Platforms with an “infinite scroll” of content with no endpoint, feedback features displaying the number of likes or upvotes, and disappearing stories “designed to create urgency so young people check apps constantly out of fear of missing out”, will be targeted.
The update will not affect services already deemed outside the remit of the social media ban, such as Discord, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Roblox.
Ten platforms, such as Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, are included with eSafety probing several others.
The changes were announced as social media giants continue to push back on the laws.
Reddit has filed a High Court challenge, which is yet to be heard.
The company alleges in a December court filing that the ban infringes on free political speech and poses serious privacy risks.
“The burden on the implied freedom in this case is both direct and substantial … it prohibits all Australians under the age of 16 from engaging in any political communication on an ‘age-restricted social media platform’ to the extent that such communication requires an account,” the documents state.
Reddit must file its legal arguments by April 10, according to the High Court’s timetable.
However, the Government claims the update provides “clarity for Australian families” about the ban and ensures the law remains focused on “features that drive addictive behaviour and pose the greatest risk of harm to young people”.
Communications Minister Anika Wells, who will provide an update on compliance to the social media ban next week, said “Gen Alpha” were connected to an “addictive dopamine drip” ever since getting their first smartphone and social media account.
“Targeted algorithms, doomscrolling, persistent notifications and toxic popularity meters are stealing their attention for hours every day,” she said.
“We’re shining a light on these harmful and addictive features being used to target young Australians.”
FULL STORY
Labor rushes through social media ban update ahead of Reddit High Court challenge (News.com.au)
