Australia Pushes Global Plan to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Mencari Team

Sep 01, 2025

Transcript

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1. Australia Pushes Global Plan to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

The Albanese government is pressing ahead with plans to block children under 16 from using social media, saying new trials prove age-verification technology is available and effective. Communications Minister Annika Wells said the world’s largest tech firms have the capability — and the responsibility — to protect young users.

The government-backed study found multiple ways platforms can verify users’ ages, though accuracy remains a challenge. Critics argue teenagers will always find workarounds, and early trials have shown some teens misidentified as much older adults. Wells acknowledged the limits but said the goal is “a meaningful difference,” not perfection.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intends to raise the proposal at the United Nations, positioning Australia as a leader in online child safety. Officials believe the reforms could set a precedent for other nations grappling with concerns over children’s mental health, cyberbullying, and algorithm-driven harms.

Social media companies have pushed back strongly, warning that strict rules in Australia could spread globally. But Wells dismissed their concerns, arguing that firms already use advanced AI to profit from user data and should be required to apply the same tools to keep children safe.

2. Neo-Nazis Hijack Anti-Immigration Rallies Across Australia

Far-right extremists hijacked anti-immigration rallies across the country this weekend, prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said neo-Nazis were given a platform in what he called “un-Australian” displays of hate.

The rallies drew relatively small crowds but inflamed tensions over migration and housing shortages. Albanese emphasized that multiculturalism remains central to Australia’s identity, noting that almost all Australians are migrants or descendants of migrants.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters said rising living costs and housing shortages are fueling frustration but warned against scapegoating migrants. Independent Senator David Pocock also argued the government must better explain the economic and social value of migration.

Officials and community leaders are urging calm, warning that extremism could escalate if economic grievances are left unaddressed. Police have confirmed several incidents of violence and are investigating reports of hate speech during the marches.

3. Ex-AFL Player Mitch Brown Comes Out as Bisexual

Former West Coast Eagles footballer Mitch Brown has come out as bisexual, earning widespread praise but also sparking debate over inclusion in Australia’s major sports leagues. Brown said he wanted to be open about his identity and hoped it would encourage other athletes to feel comfortable being themselves.

Independent Senator and former Wallabies captain David Pocock called the move “brave” and said the AFL now has a responsibility to lead cultural change across clubs. He said sporting codes must do more to stamp out homophobia and create safe environments for players and fans.

Pocock said in his rugby career, teammates coming out often led to meaningful conversations that strengthened teams. He argued the AFL should use Brown’s announcement as an opportunity to start those conversations at every level of the game.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ athletes say Brown’s public statement could mark a turning point for inclusivity in Australian sport, where contact codes have long lagged behind in addressing discrimination.

4. Report: Santos Gas Hub Leaked Methane for Nearly 20 Years

A Santos export facility in Darwin has been leaking methane for almost two decades due to a design fault, according to an ABC investigation. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and environmental groups say the revelations raise serious questions about oversight and accountability.

The report found both federal and Territory regulators knew about the leak but did little to address it. Despite the issue, Santos has continued to receive new project approvals. The leak is believed to have gone unchecked since the facility began operating nearly 20 years ago.

The Greens have written to Climate Minister Chris Bowen, demanding answers on when the government became aware and why the problem was not fixed. They say the revelations undermine Australia’s credibility on climate policy while the government pushes ahead with ambitious emissions targets.

Methane is estimated to have more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Environmental advocates argue the revelations show why stricter monitoring of fossil fuel companies is urgently needed.

5. Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa Warns Democracy at Risk

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa has warned that democracy worldwide is under attack, telling Australia’s National Press Club that disinformation and Big Tech are eroding truth and trust. She said “information integrity” is the central battle of our time.

Ressa, who co-founded the Philippine news site Rappler, urged Australia to strengthen protections for journalists and regulate technology platforms she accused of amplifying authoritarian tactics. She said social media companies are profiting from lies and must be held accountable for the damage to democracy.

She praised Australia for passing the world’s first law banning under-16s from social media, calling it the kind of bold action other nations should follow. But she argued leaders must go further by passing press-freedom laws and investing in independent journalism.

Her speech underscored the global stakes, warning that without facts and trust, democracies risk collapsing. “Lose this battle for information integrity,” she said, “and we lose everything.”

Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis.

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