Trial to block teenagers from downloading inappropriate apps starts this week

A trial into technology to block teenagers from downloading inappropriate apps onto their phones will start this week, as the South Australian Government launches a bid to ban young Australians from social media.

The Federal Government-led age assurance trial will launch its technical phase from Monday, to explore technology which can block apps for teenagers when a device is set up, or that is active in the operating system or from where apps are downloaded.

The $6.5 million trial will inform Government whether the market is ready to provide effective age assurance and how to enforce codes and policies in the future.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the response needed to find a balance between protecting young people, and ensuring technologies were ethical, respected privacy and did not disconnect Australians.

“Big tech and social media platforms share a responsibility for the safety of their users, especially to young people,” she said.

“Our Government does not accept that social media, online services or platforms can simply distance themselves from their responsibility to make online environments safer for young people.

“We expect everyone to do their share of the heavy lifting – because we want to make sure Australian kids can use the internet in an age-appropriate way that supports their learning and lives in a positive way.

“We are supporting parents and carers, teachers, and kids to be smart and safe online, and we are taking action to ensure our laws keep up with technology.”

It comes as South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Sunday his government would start public consultation on a ban on social media for under-14s, after a legal review found States could legislate on the issue.

“The evidence is clear, social media is causing our children harm,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“And my intent is clear, we are going to do something about it. When we see products doing children harm, whether it be drugs, cigarettes or alcohol, governments have a role to play. The addictive nature of social media is no different.”

The review, led by former High Court chief justice Robert French, proposed a duty on social media platforms to block access by children, and suggested a regulator monitor compliance, receive complaints and issue fines.

WA Premier Roger Cook said Mr Malinauskas had briefed Friday’s National Cabinet meeting on the review, but stressed there needed to be a uniform national approach.

“I looked around the room during National Cabinet and I don’t think there’s a single Premier or Prime Minister or chief minister in that room that wasn’t wholly in support of these sort of measures,” Mr Cook said.

“A national approach to this will be more effective. You don’t want, say a 13 year old on social media in Western Australia or New South Wales, going to South Australia and then somehow committing an illegal act, or somehow inveigling that social media provider with into an illegal act.

“This is better doing it uniformly.”

Mr Cook said he supported the laws. “My focus here, my key principle here, is that we want to let kids be kids. It’s so important that we take the insidious impact of social media out of their lives,” he said.