In a recent blog post, David Inserra discusses the controversy surrounding Australia’s new bill to ban social media for those under 16. Despite withdrawing a previous misinformation bill, Inserra criticizes this new legislation as “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.” He highlights concerns over privacy, security, and freedom of expression, noting that the bill mirrors flawed age verification laws from the US and UK. Inserra argues that it risks data breaches, undermines anonymity, and restricts minors’ rights to express themselves and connect with communities online.
Inserra warns that the harmful consequences of this bill outweigh its benefits, leading to biased enforcement and censorship. He suggests that instead of adopting such restrictive measures, policymakers should focus on addressing actual online criminality and empower parents to guide their children’s digital interactions, ensuring safety without compromising rights and privacy.
