Australia has banned social media for under 16s. And that's just the beginning
Dec 3, 2024
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Hal Crawford, former head of Newshub, dives into Australia's ambitious media regulations aiming to tackle big tech. He discusses the groundbreaking social media ban for those under 16, reflecting on societal concerns. The conversation highlights bipartisan support for legislation and the pressing challenges of misinformation. Crawford also critiques the News Media Bargaining Code and explores local content quotas amidst the rise of generative AI. This dynamic dialogue sheds light on the contrasting approaches Australia and New Zealand take toward media regulation.
Australia's bipartisan support for banning social media for users under 16 reflects a national prioritization of children's online safety amidst growing public concern.
Legislative efforts like the News Media Bargaining Code showcase Australia's proactive approach to addressing the struggles of institutional media within a tech-dominated landscape.
Deep dives
Legislative Landscape in Australia
Australia's approach to tech regulation contrasts sharply with New Zealand's more laissez-faire attitude. Current discussions center on various legislative efforts, including a recent ban on social media for those under 16, which has garnered bipartisan support due to widespread public concern. The Australian government is increasingly engaging with issues related to digital platforms, demonstrating a commitment to addressing challenges posed by their vast influence. This active legislative environment reflects a comprehensive strategy to regulate technology's impact on society.
Media's Response to Challenges
Institutional media in Australia is facing difficulties, with significant challenges stemming from low ad sales and stagnant subscriptions. Despite this, recent legislative efforts, such as the News Media Bargaining Code, indicate a shift towards seeking regulatory solutions for the media's woes. It highlights the necessity of finding a balance between legislative actions and the self-interests of legacy media, coupled with public sentiments around digital platform accountability. As Australia grapples with these systemic issues, there is hope that regulation can lead to revitalization within the industry.
Bipartisan Support for Child Protection Laws
Recent legislation aimed at banning social media access for users under 16 has been met with significant public backing, showcasing the political effectiveness of addressing parental concerns regarding children's screen time. This measure demonstrates that politicians can successfully turn general public anxiety about children's online safety into concrete legislative action. By implementing actionable laws that resonate with voters, the government addresses crucial societal issues while securing political support. The bipartisan nature of this initiative may serve as a model for future legislation in other areas of digital regulation.
Challenges of Misinformation Legislation
The failed attempt to pass misinformation legislation in Australia underscores the complexities involved in regulating digital content. One of the main issues was defining what constitutes misinformation, exacerbated by concerns over governmental overreach into free speech. Interestingly, although the government intended to ensure responsible management of information, the lack of broader political support led to the bill’s collapse. This scenario highlights the difficulty of balancing legislative intentions with societal and political realities, making the quest for effective misinformation laws a challenging undertaking.
In an effort to get out of his doom spiral, Duncan Greive takes a tour across the Tasman to see how our close neighbours are dealing with a similar set of challenges. From a social media ban, to local content quotas, to news bargaining to an activist competition authority, Australia is a global leader, while New Zealand is nowhere to be found.
In the first of two episodes focused on Australia, former Newshub boss Hal Crawford joins Duncan to discuss a raft of legislation aimed at big tech, which has either been proposed or passed - sometimes with bi-partisan support.