Massive Fines for Systemic Noncompliance

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has opposed Australia’s move to ban social media for children under 16, citing concerns over freedom of access. The proposed legislation includes severe penalties, with fines reaching up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for social media companies that fail to comply.

New Age-Verification Standards Raise Concerns

Australia’s government unveiled the bill on Thursday, intending to enforce age limits on social media through a rigorous verification process. If implemented, these rules would place Australia among the most restrictive countries globally.

Musk’s Sharp Critique of the Policy

Musk took to X to respond to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s post about the bill. “It seems like an indirect way to control the entire internet for Australians,” Musk stated, continuing his defense of free expression in the digital age.

Global Comparisons Shed Light on Stringency

Australia’s proposal goes further than existing laws in other countries. France, for instance, permits parental consent for children under 15, and the U.S. emphasizes parental approval for data collection but does not impose sweeping access bans.

Tensions Escalate Between Musk and the Government

This controversy is the latest in a series of disagreements between Musk and Canberra. Previous clashes include X’s refusal to comply with certain content removal orders, which drew strong criticism from the Australian Prime Minister earlier this year.