844 tacks
Social media firms criticise ‘irrational’ exemption of YouTube from Australia’s under-16s ban
Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have criticized the Australian government for exempting YouTube from its under-16s social media ban. They argue the decision is “irrational” and unfair, demanding equal restrictions across platforms. The law, passed hastily in late 2024, requires social media sites to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. The government justified YouTube’s exemption by citing its educational value, but critics argue it offers similar features to restricted platforms. TikTok called the exemption a “sweetheart deal,” while Meta accused the government of lacking transparency. The companies argue for a level playing field, citing YouTube’s popularity among young Australians.
Where did our attention spans go, and can we get them back?
The Oxford English Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year, “brain rot,” highlights social media’s perceived mental toll. Informatics professor Gloria Mark, after 20 years studying attention spans, tells Madeleine Finlay why focus isn’t lost and shares tips for reclaiming concentration.
Loveable rogue or mouthpiece for misinformation? Why Australian blokes love Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan, often labeled the world’s most popular podcaster, has a polarizing appeal in Australia, especially among men drawn to his unfiltered, long-form discussions on taboo topics. Fans appreciate his authenticity and diverse guests, while critics accuse him of spreading misinformation and failing to challenge controversial ideas.
The bright side of TikTok’s downfall
The potential ban on TikTok has sparked debate about its impact on the social media industry. While some fear the loss of a popular platform, others see it as an opportunity for innovation and a chance to address the negative aspects of social media, such as “enshittification” and user exploitation.
‘It’s a nightmare’: couriers mystified by the algorithms that control their jobs
Gig economy couriers face challenges with opaque algorithms controlling their work and pay. Issues include inconsistent job assignments, pay discrepancies, and sudden account deactivation, often with limited or no explanation.
TikTok Ban: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver discusses the looming TikTok ban in the U.S.
From cow vigilantes to military propaganda: Facebook\'s cuts risk violence in Asia
Meta’s decision to scale back independent fact-checking has raised concerns among civil society groups in Asia, where misinformation can have severe consequences.
‘Each year you delay giving a phone is a big win’: child screen-time solutions from around the world
Countries worldwide are grappling with the challenges of children’s screen time and mobile phone use, implementing various measures to address concerns. Australia and Spain are at the forefront, introducing stringent regulations. Australia has passed legislation banning under-16s from social media, placing responsibility on platforms for age verification. Spain plans to raise the social media age limit to 16 and encourages grassroots initiatives, such as delaying phone access for children.
Elon Musk and the new world order: the hijacking of the global conversation
Elon Musk’s influence on social media platforms raises concerns about the manipulation of public discourse and the erosion of democratic processes. While claiming to champion free speech, Musk’s actions demonstrate a disregard for truth and a willingness to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain.
Meta never cared about factchecking. What it wants is friction-free oligarchy
Meta’s recent policy changes, including the elimination of its factchecking program, signal a shift towards appeasing political figures like Trump. This move, driven by political considerations rather than user safety, risks amplifying misinformation and hate speech. The consequences for vulnerable groups are likely to be severe, highlighting the concerning influence of political power on social media moderation.
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