The Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024 is a representation of steadfast advocacy to protect child safety online, arguing for a minimum age restriction for users on social media platforms.
However, the Law Council of Australia has written to a number of Senators raising concerns that the bill is being rushed through. The limitations of an inquiry process meant the Law Council missed a one day window for the preparation of submissions.
Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner, highlighted the “scope of services covered being too broad and uncertain” that indicate a lack of consideration over how the Bill will be enforced on big tech firms.
Overall, there was disappointment with the lack of opportunity for the Parliament and the community to properly scrutinise the Bill.
The Council considers that the issues raised should be properly discussed through a parliamentary inquiry process, which also assesses the risks for personal information, privacy and the repercussions for the human rights of young people.
