Australia is taking a bold stance against social media use by children under 16 by introducing a world-leading ban. This comprehensive policy, which could become law next year, includes a stringent age-verification system, no exemptions for parental consent or pre-existing accounts, and the highest age limit of any country. The government emphasizes the harmful effects of social media on children’s mental and physical health, particularly the risks to girls from harmful content. The onus will be on social media platforms to prevent access by underage users, rather than placing the burden on parents or children. This policy, which will be introduced in Parliament this year, has received support from the opposition and is expected to impact platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
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While some advocate for banning social media platforms for children under 16, others argue this would be ineffective, delaying rather than preventing online exposure and failing to equip children with the skills to navigate these spaces safely. Instead, experts suggest focusing on imposing safety standards on social media platforms, aligning with international recommendations to ensure safe access and allow children to benefit from the digital environment. The government, however, remains concerned about the influence of powerful tech companies and the potential harm posed to vulnerable young people by algorithms that encourage certain behaviors.
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On Election Day, searches for “Did Joe Biden drop out” spiked significantly on Google Trends, suggesting a lack of awareness among some Americans that the current president was not running for reelection. The searches began around 6 a.m. and peaked at midnight, indicating that some voters were unaware of Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July. Social media users reacted with amusement and astonishment to the news, highlighting the disconnect between those who are constantly online and those who consume news less frequently.
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Australia’s government plans to implement a ban on social media use for children under 16 years old, aiming to mitigate the harmful effects of online platforms on young people. The legislation, which will be introduced in parliament next week, will require social media companies to verify user age and enforce the ban, with penalties directed at the platforms, not individual users. While the ban will not apply to those already using social media, experts are divided on its effectiveness, with some arguing it merely delays exposure to social media rather than teaching safe online practices. The government intends to review the ban after 12 months of implementation.
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The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations in Canada, citing national security concerns. The decision is based on advice from security and intelligence agencies, who believe TikTok’s activities in the country could pose a threat. While users will still be able to access the app, the government has urged Canadians to be aware of potential risks, including the potential for Chinese government access to user data. TikTok has disputed the allegations and plans to challenge the order in court. This decision follows a national security review and a previous ban on the platform for government devices, echoing similar concerns raised by US lawmakers.
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Trump’s return to power raises serious questions about the media’s credibility. The anger and frustration expressed by many people online reflects a deep-seated distrust of traditional media outlets. They see the media as complicit in Trump’s rise, arguing that they fueled his popularity through constant coverage, often prioritizing sensationalism over accuracy.
A common accusation is that the media, driven by the pursuit of profits, deliberately sensationalized Trump’s actions, feeding the public’s desire for conflict and controversy. They point to the constant coverage of Trump’s pronouncements and actions, regardless of their veracity, as evidence of this bias. Some even go so far as to suggest that the media deliberately downplayed or ignored negative aspects of Trump’s presidency, while simultaneously scrutinizing his opponents with a more critical eye.… Continue reading
Half of Gen Z voters say they lied to people close to them about whom they are voting for. It’s a shocking revelation that underscores a growing disconnect between the generation and the political landscape. It seems that many young people are hiding their true political leanings, often for fear of social repercussions or judgment.
This phenomenon is a reflection of the highly polarized political climate that has permeated American society. The divide between political ideologies has become increasingly stark, leading to a sense of shame or reluctance to express one’s beliefs openly. The rise of social media has further amplified this trend, creating echo chambers where people are more likely to encounter and engage with information that aligns with their existing views.… Continue reading
Democratic secretaries of state from seven US states are calling on social media companies to detail their content moderation plans during and after the elections to combat potentially inflammatory and misleading information spreading online. The public officials sent the letters to Google, X, and Meta expressing their deep concern regarding the absence of clear plans to counter false election-related content influenced by artificial intelligence or perpetuated by users. They addressed instances throughout the 2024 election where misinformation has spread, with claims of election fraud possibly leading to real-life violent outcomes. Furthermore, they requested information on how these companies are promoting official and trustworthy sources, countering conspiracies, and dealing with potential artificial intelligence threats.
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Subway surfing, a dangerous trend of riding on top of moving subway cars popularized on social media, has resulted in six deaths and 181 arrests in New York City this year, according to the New York Police Department. In response, the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is working with social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to remove related content and discourage the practice. The NYPD is also using drone technology to apprehend and deter subway surfers. Social media platforms’ policies forbid dangerous content, but the spread of such challenges is often driven by peer pressure and attention-seeking behavior. Lawsuits have been filed against some platforms, alleging they encourage dangerous behavior among young users.
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Clark County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant John Rodgers has faced public scrutiny after suggesting in Facebook posts that caller’s voting preference would influence how he responded to emergency calls. Rodgers reportedly stated that he would not help those who supported the Democratic Party and indicated people would need to show proof of who they voted for before he would assist them. Chief Deputy Mike Young said the comments were highly inappropriate and did not represent the Sheriff’s Office’s policy of serving all residents impartially, regardless of their voting preference. Rodgers, who claims not to remember publishing the posts, is reported to be on medication that can cause communication to be ‘out of character’. Rodgers has been given a written reprimand for violating the Sheriff’s Office’s social media policy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood