AUSTRALIA has introduced a ban on most social media for under 16 years old, a ban most of them are working to bypass, often successfully.
The ban is designed to protect younger children from the many “evils” that they shouldn’t face but it seems now to be mislabeled as censorship by the United States Congress.
The Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant who is tasked with implementing this, is now the subject of a “request” to attend an interview with Congress members as she is trying to “to design and implement a global censorship regime” although her reluctance is likely to lead to contempt charges.
Is the reality that this ban will take eyes away from these sites and possibly never return and thus so many ads will be unseen?
The main social media companies often seem to be intangible, located somewhere but uncontactable, able to instantly block someone they dislike but unable to stop bullying or most offensive material. Something needs to be fixed.
It is likely we will see this become far more complex with censorship / protection for specific ages groups likely to be challenged by those affected and those who have lost their audience. Freedom from censorship should be fought for, but it shouldn’t involve innocent children nor the innocence of those children.
Rather than condemning the ban that protects the children, the US Congress and the leadership of all countries should consider its implementation as soon as possible.
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A New Year’s resolution for us all
Let’s start the year positively and ignore the great orange grinch, Donald Trump.
Let’s ignore the bluster and bellowing.
Let’s ignore the tariffs and sell elsewhere.
Let’s ignore the distractions.
But let’s not ignore the needy people, those facing war or poverty, those subject to any restraint or harassment.
Let’s not forget that most people are good.
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Let’s hope Santa is in a good mood
Christmas is a “season of peace and goodwill” for many around the world but what is the reality?
It’s time we all tried to make the world a better place, especially our leaders and politicians. Santa would be happier.
Anyway, best wishes for 2026./PN
