The Australian Government is set to impose social media age limits, amid increasing concern over the effect of social media on youth mental health, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today.
There's so much on this. Albanese just promoted a cartoon pornographic book for schools that teaches anal sex, among other things. I think twitter could be safer than school, and certainly more exposing to varied opinion, including opinion opposing orthodoxies.
There are commentators saying it will not be a ban on the under 17s, as much as we grown ups proving who we are with digital id - ie, can't get on without digital id.
I kept my kids away from phones until they were about 17, but still, at that late age the algorithms began to throw one of my daughters post after post of women/girls critiquing the looks of other women - perfections and not - and she began to doubt herself. There's horrible stuff out there on social media, but "social media" is not the worst of it.
I know what being bullied in childhood is like, even publishing a book for children to help them cope with being called names.
This banning is an extreme reaction to a problem which is linked to watching how adults treat people, as you are growing up. How your parents put people down, then you do it too, to the kids at school. How politicians rubbish each other instead of debate. How human rights are trashed in the name of saving our lives......
1. It’s not for kids. We’ll all have sign in to use the internet to prove our age. How do we prove it - digital ID.
2. If you’re worried about what your children can see on the Internet, try some parenting. There’s plenty of technological solutions to limit viewing habits that already exist. Don’t need the government for that.
Yep, we used the parental control apps, and said No a lot. My boys were mortified, especially if a blocking screen appeared when they were with their very-online friends!. But it got us through the tricky teen years.
I think not - I think they'll have to prove their age with a Digital ID - we all will. That's why there's apparently going to be a two year delay before this comes in - they're waiting for the Digital ID to be up.
I agree. I think this is just the beginning of needing a current I.D. before any member of the public (ie, us) can go on-line. They will use facial recognition for identification. And as usual they will use the excuse of 'keeping kids safe' as the thin edge of the wedge.
Notice their timing - this comes out shortly before their digital I.D. trials begin ..... I believe on 1st December 2024 but am not sure about this date. Anyone know when?
A great way to begin the control, of the troublesom "mis/dis/malinformation" aka the truth we share via social media. Where will we find information "the government" and behind them the parasite class do not want us to find and share.
I skimmed this article, but isn't CSA already illegal? So would it not be the case that these provisions do not negate existing laws about CSA but rather complement them, ie: they're referring to content that's not CSA?
You may be right, as long as we stick to our sovereignty, however there is (I think), sufficient ambiguity to cause concern. How do children give "consent" & under what circumstances?
Rebekah, I wanted to mention to you before. I am suspicious that social median ban for kids is a lead in for the digital ID. If kids have to prove their age, then everyone will. How else would they know one’s age to be “allowed” to login?
I'm sure it is. But there is a real problem, too. So I have plans to run some articles over the next month or two exploring the problem and what solutions are available.
I would support something like this. It's a problem for adults too. :)
I agree with Jonathan Haidt's books and articles.
I don't know the right (fair) way to implement this though without digital id of some sort. (there is a zero-knowledge proof technology that can help with this).
But we are here because we are skeptics and somewhat cynical.
I think we tend to distrust the gov's actions even if they are directionally correct.
Thanks to this great research by Kate Mason, I'm copying her post on the guvmint's tender to the tech companies who will block internet access ....
"Here is their tender for tech companies to "solve the problem"- facial recognition, voice recognition, AI trawling through the person's searches online, and a digital ID- called a "tokenised attribute exchange method".... so transparent!
The tender states that the technology could also be used for over 18's.
I so enjoy living in a "democratic" country where the people are fully aware, engaged, and consulted regarding government plans. The Digital ID Bill was only passed in May with the assurance it would be voluntary (with clauses stating it wont be).
In short, access to the internet will need a digital ID, biometric scanning, and AI to assess what you are looking at.
Like those pesky tech savvy kids won't be able to get around any " laws".
What will punishments be-
1. Given a dated phone that has no net access?
2. Six months in juvenile detention run by pedophiles?
3. Made to go to the library and be forsed to read anal sex picture books, staring previous and current cartoon PrimeMinisters, a Clockwork Orange style?
Another proposed plan . When is it expected to take place or will it be trawled through the unnecessary channels that overload govt business A spineless lot incumbent in Cant berra lost touch with masses instead retaining political status considered more important than children's safety from unseen but evil criminals & bulies
There's so much on this. Albanese just promoted a cartoon pornographic book for schools that teaches anal sex, among other things. I think twitter could be safer than school, and certainly more exposing to varied opinion, including opinion opposing orthodoxies.
There are commentators saying it will not be a ban on the under 17s, as much as we grown ups proving who we are with digital id - ie, can't get on without digital id.
I kept my kids away from phones until they were about 17, but still, at that late age the algorithms began to throw one of my daughters post after post of women/girls critiquing the looks of other women - perfections and not - and she began to doubt herself. There's horrible stuff out there on social media, but "social media" is not the worst of it.
You've articulated my thoughts and more beautifully, thankyou.
Thanks for your kind words :)
I'm not really opposed to the idea, in principle, but I am always suspicious when the government pretends to care about kids, or any of us really.
Dana McKay from RMIT has the right idea I feel.
I know what being bullied in childhood is like, even publishing a book for children to help them cope with being called names.
This banning is an extreme reaction to a problem which is linked to watching how adults treat people, as you are growing up. How your parents put people down, then you do it too, to the kids at school. How politicians rubbish each other instead of debate. How human rights are trashed in the name of saving our lives......
This is a slippery slope towards tyranny.
Where does it stop?
First its for the kids, then the adults because some nutter went and did someone nasty.
And besides, most kids will find a working solution.
Humans are problem solvers, banning social media will create a new alternate media that fills the void.
And does Substack get stuck in this ban? general email accounts? what is covered and what not?
1. It’s not for kids. We’ll all have sign in to use the internet to prove our age. How do we prove it - digital ID.
2. If you’re worried about what your children can see on the Internet, try some parenting. There’s plenty of technological solutions to limit viewing habits that already exist. Don’t need the government for that.
Yep, we used the parental control apps, and said No a lot. My boys were mortified, especially if a blocking screen appeared when they were with their very-online friends!. But it got us through the tricky teen years.
And all that will happen is kids will lie about their age when installing antisocial media apps and continue being online demons as before.
Another grift to increase Govt bloat more than it is already.
I think not - I think they'll have to prove their age with a Digital ID - we all will. That's why there's apparently going to be a two year delay before this comes in - they're waiting for the Digital ID to be up.
I agree. I think this is just the beginning of needing a current I.D. before any member of the public (ie, us) can go on-line. They will use facial recognition for identification. And as usual they will use the excuse of 'keeping kids safe' as the thin edge of the wedge.
Notice their timing - this comes out shortly before their digital I.D. trials begin ..... I believe on 1st December 2024 but am not sure about this date. Anyone know when?
Yes it's Dec 1.
Harder to get around if biometric verification of Digital ID is required tho?
Apparently everyone with a My.Gov account already has a digital ID...
Yes that's my understanding too. I have not logged on to MyGov in the longest time because I don't accept the T&Cs.
You can still sign in with your password.
A great way to begin the control, of the troublesom "mis/dis/malinformation" aka the truth we share via social media. Where will we find information "the government" and behind them the parasite class do not want us to find and share.
I'm cynical when this, (or any) government, pushes/promotes ANYTHING for our benefit or safety!
And yet, there is a push to agree to a UN treaty which "legalises" child pornography/abuse if the child 'consents'...
https://www.fafce.org/fafce-comment-on-un-treaty-on-cybercrime/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFNy-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdwNFV8yvWOqbtse23gBlw316pspfqQGFxMap5SrwAr_MBUTVxHezbtusA_aem_Ce5ycFZw94iLVMxXNNCikA&sfnsn=mo
If there was any doubt that the UN is dangerous & corrupt, it cannot be disputed now! So sad!
I skimmed this article, but isn't CSA already illegal? So would it not be the case that these provisions do not negate existing laws about CSA but rather complement them, ie: they're referring to content that's not CSA?
You may be right, as long as we stick to our sovereignty, however there is (I think), sufficient ambiguity to cause concern. How do children give "consent" & under what circumstances?
Rebekah, I wanted to mention to you before. I am suspicious that social median ban for kids is a lead in for the digital ID. If kids have to prove their age, then everyone will. How else would they know one’s age to be “allowed” to login?
I'm sure it is. But there is a real problem, too. So I have plans to run some articles over the next month or two exploring the problem and what solutions are available.
I am very pleased to hear there are problems. And I am now very much looking forward to see what you have found.
I would support something like this. It's a problem for adults too. :)
I agree with Jonathan Haidt's books and articles.
I don't know the right (fair) way to implement this though without digital id of some sort. (there is a zero-knowledge proof technology that can help with this).
But we are here because we are skeptics and somewhat cynical.
I think we tend to distrust the gov's actions even if they are directionally correct.
I'm planning to publish more on this exploring some alternatives to Digital ID.
Thanks to this great research by Kate Mason, I'm copying her post on the guvmint's tender to the tech companies who will block internet access ....
"Here is their tender for tech companies to "solve the problem"- facial recognition, voice recognition, AI trawling through the person's searches online, and a digital ID- called a "tokenised attribute exchange method".... so transparent!
The tender states that the technology could also be used for over 18's.
I so enjoy living in a "democratic" country where the people are fully aware, engaged, and consulted regarding government plans. The Digital ID Bill was only passed in May with the assurance it would be voluntary (with clauses stating it wont be).
In short, access to the internet will need a digital ID, biometric scanning, and AI to assess what you are looking at.
I'm so glad I live in a "democracy". "
Probably a good idea..... 15 years ago....
Like those pesky tech savvy kids won't be able to get around any " laws".
What will punishments be-
1. Given a dated phone that has no net access?
2. Six months in juvenile detention run by pedophiles?
3. Made to go to the library and be forsed to read anal sex picture books, staring previous and current cartoon PrimeMinisters, a Clockwork Orange style?
Phones with no internet access are a great idea.
You are such a positive gal! 🌞
Another proposed plan . When is it expected to take place or will it be trawled through the unnecessary channels that overload govt business A spineless lot incumbent in Cant berra lost touch with masses instead retaining political status considered more important than children's safety from unseen but evil criminals & bulies