Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Kids locked out of social media apps after Australia’s world-first ban

    Kids locked out of social media apps after Australia’s world-first ban

    Australia has implemented a groundbreaking prohibition on social media access for minors under 16, becoming the first nation to enforce such comprehensive restrictions without parental consent exemptions. The landmark legislation, which took effect this week, requires major platforms including Meta, TikTok and YouTube to implement “reasonable steps” in preventing underage account creation and usage.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the policy as a transformative measure that could set global precedents for child protection online. “This is Australia showing enough is enough,” he declared during a press conference surrounded by advocates. “I believe this has the power to change lives around the world.”

    The regulatory framework empowers Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to monitor compliance across ten designated platforms, with corporations facing penalties up to A$49.5 million for serious violations. Julie Inman Grant, the online safety regulator, confirmed compliance checks would commence immediately, with preliminary assessments to be published before Christmas.

    Supporters argue the ban addresses critical concerns about harmful content algorithms and psychological impacts on developing brains. Twelve-year-old activist Florence ‘Flossie’ Brodribb articulated this perspective: “Our brains are going through one of the biggest rewiring periods of our lives… Social media is designed to take advantage of that.”

    However, significant opposition emerges from both youth and experts questioning the ban’s practicality and potential unintended consequences. Teenagers report already circumventing restrictions, while critics warn of isolation risks for vulnerable communities including LGBTQ+ and rural youth. Fifteen-year-old Breanna highlighted connectivity concerns: “When our Snapchat is taken away, so is our communication.”

    Technology companies have resisted the measures, emphasizing enhanced parental controls as preferable solutions. Meanwhile, international observers from Denmark to Brazil are monitoring Australia’s experiment as potential test case for their own regulatory considerations.

    The government acknowledges implementation challenges while framing the policy as part of a longer-term strategy. “Success is the fact that we’re having this discussion,” Albanese noted, recognizing the ban won’t be perfect but represents a necessary starting point for digital safety reform.

  • Watch Australian teens test out social media on first day of ban

    Watch Australian teens test out social media on first day of ban

    Australia has embarked on an unprecedented social experiment with the implementation of a nationwide ban on social media access for users under the age of 16. On the first day of this sweeping policy, Australian teenagers provided the BBC with a real-time glimpse into their attempts to log on to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, revealing a complex digital landscape of adaptation, frustration, and technological workarounds.

    The policy, designed to shield minors from online harms such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and data privacy issues, represents one of the world’s most aggressive governmental interventions in digital youth protection. Early observations indicate a patchwork of outcomes: while some younger teens found themselves completely locked out of their accounts, others encountered partial restrictions or began immediately seeking alternative access methods, including Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass geographical restrictions.

    This digital clampdown has ignited a fiery debate across the nation. Proponents, including child safety advocates and many parents, hail the move as a necessary step to safeguard mental health and ensure a more developmental childhood. Conversely, critics and digital rights groups argue the ban is overly simplistic, potentially stifling creativity, social connection, and digital literacy. They also raise significant concerns about enforcement and the potential for such measures to push youth toward less regulated, and potentially more dangerous, corners of the internet. The effectiveness of this bold policy and its long-term societal impact remain subjects of intense global scrutiny.

  • These young Australians grew up with social media – what do they think of the ban?

    These young Australians grew up with social media – what do they think of the ban?

    In the wake of Australia’s controversial decision to implement a social media ban for users under 16, the BBC conducted street interviews in Sydney to gauge reactions from young adults who belong to the first generation raised with ubiquitous social media access. The comprehensive survey targeted Australians aged 18-20, whose formative years coincided with the exponential growth of digital platforms.

    These digital natives expressed complex, multifaceted perspectives on the regulatory measure. Many acknowledged legitimate concerns about cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and inappropriate content that prompted the government’s decision. However, significant reservations emerged regarding the effectiveness of age-based restrictions in addressing these complex issues.

    Several interviewees highlighted the educational and social benefits they gained from early, supervised social media use, suggesting that blanket bans might deprive younger generations of valuable digital literacy development. Others pointed to practical implementation challenges, noting that determined teenagers often find ways to circumvent such restrictions.

    The young adults emphasized the importance of comprehensive digital education and parental guidance rather than outright prohibition. Many advocated for balanced approaches that protect vulnerable users while still allowing access to positive aspects of social connectivity, information sharing, and community building that defined their own adolescent experiences.

  • How Australia found itself battling big tech over social media for children

    How Australia found itself battling big tech over social media for children

    Australia is poised to implement the world’s first comprehensive ban on social media access for users under 16, marking a radical escalation in global efforts to regulate technology giants. The groundbreaking legislation—set to take effect despite vigorous industry opposition—requires platforms to implement “reasonable steps” to prevent underage account creation, with penalties reaching A$49.5 million for serious violations.

    The move emerges against a backdrop of deteriorating trust in social media companies, exemplified by former Facebook Australia CEO Stephen Scheeler’s transformation from digital optimist to industry critic. “There’s lots of good things about these platforms, but there’s just too much bad stuff,” Scheeler told the BBC, reflecting a growing consensus among regulators worldwide.

    Tech giants including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube have mounted coordinated resistance, arguing through trade group NetChoice that the ban constitutes “blanket censorship” that will leave youth “less informed, less connected, and less equipped to navigate the spaces they will be expected to understand as adults.” They particularly challenge the technological feasibility of age verification and advocate instead for parental control mechanisms.

    Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells remains uncompromising, noting that companies have had “15, 20 years in this space to do that of their own volition now, and… it’s not enough.” Her stance has attracted international attention, with EU nations, Fiji, Greece, Malta, Denmark, Norway, Singapore, and Brazil actively exploring similar measures.

    The regulatory pressure coincides with major legal challenges in the United States, where a landmark January trial will consolidate hundreds of claims alleging social media platforms deliberately designed addictive features while concealing known harms to adolescent mental health. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel have been ordered to testify personally in cases examining platforms’ role in teen sexual exploitation, body dysmorphia, and suicide.

    In response to mounting scrutiny, companies have introduced age-restricted versions of their platforms. YouTube deployed AI-based age estimation technology, Snapchat implemented default safety settings for teens, and Meta launched Instagram Teen accounts with enhanced privacy protections. Yet whistleblowers like former Meta engineer Arturo Béjar maintain these measures remain largely ineffective, with September research indicating nearly two-thirds of new safety tools fail to provide meaningful protection.

    Industry analysts note companies walk a delicate line—complying sufficiently to avoid penalties while ensuring implementation isn’t so successful that it inspires global replication. Carnegie Mellon’s Professor Ari Lightman observes that even maximum fines represent merely “a drop in the bucket” for companies prioritizing access to future user generations.

    Despite implementation challenges, Scheeler characterizes this moment as social media’s “seatbelt moment”—acknowledging that “even imperfect regulation is better than nothing, or better than what we had before.” As Australia becomes the world’s testing ground for youth social media restrictions, the outcome will likely shape digital regulation for the next generation.

  • Man found guilty of Australian beach murder after hiding in India for years

    Man found guilty of Australian beach murder after hiding in India for years

    In a landmark verdict that concludes a seven-year pursuit of justice, Rajwinder Singh, a 41-year-old former nurse, has been found guilty of the brutal 2018 murder of Toyah Cordingley. The conviction was delivered by a jury in the Cairns Supreme Court on Monday, sparking an emotional outpouring from the public gallery.

    The case dates back to October 2018, when Ms. Cordingley, a 24-year-old health store worker and dedicated animal shelter volunteer, was killed during a routine Sunday afternoon walk with her dog on Wangetti Beach, a scenic coastal stretch between the tourist centers of Cairns and Port Douglas. The court heard harrowing details that she was stabbed at least 26 times with a sharp object before being partially buried in sand dunes, where she was later discovered by her father.

    Singh, originally from Punjab, India, was residing in the town of Innisfail at the time, approximately two hours from the crime scene. In a move prosecutors argued demonstrated consciousness of guilt, he fled to India the day after the victim’s body was found, abandoning his wife, three children, and parents. This initiated an extensive four-year international manhunt.

    The prosecution’s case, though largely circumstantial, presented compelling scientific evidence. A critical DNA sample recovered from a stick at the murder scene was statistically analyzed to be 3.8 billion times more likely to have originated from Singh than from an unrelated individual. Furthermore, digital evidence indicated that the movements of Ms. Cordingley’s mobile phone precisely matched the trajectory of Singh’s vehicle immediately following the attack.

    This trial marked the second judicial proceeding against Singh, following a previous trial in March that concluded with a hung jury, unable to reach a unanimous decision. The conviction brings a measure of closure to a case that horrified and united the local community, where Ms. Cordingley was remembered as a well-loved and respected individual. Singh is scheduled to return to court for a sentencing hearing.

  • What do teens think about Australia’s social media ban?

    What do teens think about Australia’s social media ban?

    Australia is poised to implement a groundbreaking social media prohibition targeting users under 16 years old, effective December 10th. The pioneering policy has sparked intense dialogue among its most affected demographic—teenagers themselves. The BBC conducted exclusive interviews with Australian minors who will be directly impacted by this digital restriction, gathering their candid perspectives on the government’s unprecedented approach to online safety.

    This radical measure represents the world’s first comprehensive ban of its kind, positioning Australia at the forefront of regulatory efforts to protect youth from potential social media harms. While authorities frame the initiative as a protective measure against cyberbullying, mental health risks, and online predation, the young respondents expressed nuanced viewpoints that challenge simplistic narratives.

    Teen participants revealed complex reactions ranging from frustration over perceived paternalism to acknowledgment of potential benefits. Many emphasized the social importance of digital platforms for maintaining friendships and accessing community support networks, particularly for isolated or marginalized youth. Several interviewees questioned the effectiveness of age-based restrictions, citing easy circumvention methods and the potential for such bans to simply drive online activity underground without proper safeguards.

    The policy has ignited broader debates about digital rights, age-appropriate access, and the balance between protection and autonomy. Digital literacy advocates suggest alternative approaches focusing on education and graduated access rather than outright prohibition. Meanwhile, mental health professionals remain divided on whether social media represents a primary cause of psychological distress or merely amplifies existing vulnerabilities.

    As implementation date approaches, the Australian experiment is being closely monitored by international observers, policymakers, and technology companies worldwide, with many considering similar measures in their respective countries.

  • ‘England in battle to avoid worst Ashes tour in modern times’

    ‘England in battle to avoid worst Ashes tour in modern times’

    England’s cricketing ambitions suffered a devastating blow at the Gabba as Australia delivered a comprehensive victory in the second Test, leaving the visitors trailing 2-0 in the Ashes series. The defeat marks one of England’s most disappointing performances this century, raising fundamental questions about the team’s strategy and mentality.

    The Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum leadership era now faces its greatest challenge as historical statistics loom large: England has never recovered from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Australia, who haven’t lost three consecutive home Tests in 38 years. This reality casts serious doubt on England’s ability to reclaim the urn.

    England’s batting lineup collapsed spectacularly in Brisbane, with repetitive dismissals revealing a troubling lack of adaptation. While the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach initially revitalized the team, its one-dimensional application against Australia’s disciplined attack has proven costly. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick’s insistence on maintaining their predetermined style contrasts sharply with Steve Smith’s description of the ‘Australian way’ as adapting to conditions in real-time.

    The selection strategy faces scrutiny as well. Specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir, specifically chosen for this tour, remains unused while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith appears overwhelmed by the occasion. England’s reserve options appear limited, with the Lions team also struggling against Australia A.

    Captain Ben Stokes issued a stark warning to his squad: ‘A dressing room that I am captain of is not a place for weak men.’ Both Stokes and McCullum have publicly questioned the team’s mentality, a significant shift from their previously unwavering support.

    With more than a week until the third Test in Adelaide, England must regroup dramatically to keep the series alive past Christmas. Failure to do so would cement this as England’s worst Ashes tour of modern times, potentially necessitating structural changes to the team’s approach and personnel.

  • Can you ban kids from social media? Australia is about to, but some teens are a step ahead

    Can you ban kids from social media? Australia is about to, but some teens are a step ahead

    Australia’s groundbreaking legislation prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms has encountered immediate resistance from both teenagers and technology limitations. The policy, hailed as revolutionary by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration, was designed to shield minors from online dangers including cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and harmful content.

    Thirteen-year-old Isobel demonstrated the system’s vulnerabilities by bypassing Snapchat’s age verification within minutes using her mother’s photograph. “I got a photo of my mum, stuck it in front of the camera, and it just let me through,” she recounted. Her mother Mel, who had permitted supervised social media use, expressed mixed feelings about the ban’s effectiveness despite initially supporting the measure.

    The technical implementation relies on three primary age assurance methods: document verification, behavioral analysis, and facial assessment technology. A government-funded trial concluded that while all approaches were technically feasible, none proved entirely foolproof. Facial scanning systems, already deployed by Meta and Snapchat for suspected underage users, show reduced accuracy for individuals within two to three years of the 16-year threshold.

    Privacy concerns represent another significant hurdle. Document verification, while most accurate, requires users to submit sensitive identification to platforms that Australians largely distrust with personal data. Alternative circumvention methods have proliferated online, including VPN usage, parental email registration, and migration to platforms not explicitly covered by the legislation.

    Legal challenges have emerged from multiple fronts. Two teenagers have filed a constitutional challenge in Australia’s highest court, while Alphabet (parent company of YouTube and Google) considers its own legal action. Human rights organizations and legal experts have raised concerns about the policy’s potential overreach.

    Critics argue the ban might inadvertently push children toward less regulated platforms and websites excluded from the legislation, including gaming chatrooms that law enforcement agencies identify as radicalization hotspots. The Australia Federal Police have specifically warned about dangers in these unregulated spaces.

    Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledges the implementation will appear “untidy” initially but defends the policy as a necessary starting point for broader digital safety reforms. The government has positioned the ban as establishing a new social norm rather than achieving perfect enforcement.

    The international technology community watches closely as Australia’s experiment could influence similar legislation worldwide. With fines up to $49.5 million for serious violations, the policy represents one of the most aggressive attempts to regulate social media access for minors globally.

  • England humiliated by ‘second-string’ Australia – Vaughan

    England humiliated by ‘second-string’ Australia – Vaughan

    England’s cricket team stands on the precipice of a devastating Ashes series defeat after a catastrophic third-day performance against Australia in Brisbane. Former captain Michael Vaughan delivered a scathing assessment, characterizing England’s display as “humiliated” and warning of potential “psychological damage” to players following their comprehensive outclassing by Australian opponents.

    The tourists, having conceded a substantial first-innings deficit of 177 runs, suffered a dramatic batting collapse that saw them stumble to 134-6 by day’s end. This dismal performance positions England to lose the opening two matches of the highly anticipated series, with Vaughan identifying fundamental flaws in the team’s approach against quality opposition.

    Vaughan, speaking to BBC Test Match Special, expressed deep concerns about England’s predictable playing style: “England are a side that, for three or four years now, have played one way and I just think teams know how to play against them. They were humiliated in that second day in Perth, and today and yesterday.”

    The batting lineup demonstrated particular vulnerability, losing five wickets for just 38 runs after reaching 90-1. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope both offered return catches to Michael Neser, while Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith all edged behind in a display of technical deficiency.

    Compounding England’s troubles, the England Lions team competing against Australia A elsewhere in Brisbane conceded a staggering 388-run first-innings lead, highlighting the limited replacement options available within the squad. Vaughan noted concerning individual form slumps, stating: “Ben Duckett looks scratchy and edgy at the top. Pope is all over the place, once again. You can’t just keep dipping into Joe Root’s well.”

    The criticism extended to selection policies, with BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew questioning the lack of accountability: “None of these players are being put under any pressure by anybody else in the squad – there’s no culpability, there are no ramifications.”

    Meanwhile, Australia faces the enviable selection dilemma of integrating returning stars, with captain Pat Cummins passed fit for the third Test and Josh Hazlewood working toward fitness. Vaughan starkly contrasted the teams’ situations: “Let’s just mention this Australian team have got over thousand wickets not playing. This is their second string.”

    The preparation methods of the English team came under intense scrutiny, though assistant coach Marcus Trescothick defended their approach, stating preparation “these days is not done necessarily by playing Sheffield Shield games.” Vaughan countered this perspective, asserting: “Nowhere in a million years has preparation been right.”

    With the Ashes potentially decided before Christmas, England now faces the grim prospect of producing their worst Australian performance this century in what was initially heralded as their best opportunity to win Down Under in a generation.

  • Cummins ‘good to go’ for third Ashes Test

    Cummins ‘good to go’ for third Ashes Test

    Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has declared himself fit for selection in the pivotal third Ashes Test against England, scheduled to commence in Adelaide on December 16th. The premier fast bowler has been sidelined for the initial two matches of the series while recuperating from a back injury.

    Despite Australia’s commanding performances in both Perth and the ongoing day-night fixture in Brisbane, Cummins’ absence has been notable. The 32-year-old pace spearhead revealed that team selectors had contemplated a premature return for the second Test but ultimately deemed it an unnecessary gamble. ‘It felt a bit too acute and didn’t really feel fair on the other bowlers,’ Cummins explained during a broadcast interview with Fox Sports. ‘We thought it didn’t feel like the right Test match to take that risk, so kick it down the road for a week.’

    Cummins reported exceptionally positive physical condition following intensive rehabilitation. ‘I’ll have one more bowl tomorrow in the nets and then we’ll go to Adelaide and have a bowl there,’ he stated. ‘Barring any hiccups, I’ll be good to go. The body feels great.’

    The return of Australia’s captain significantly bolsters their bowling attack, which has also been missing fellow quick Josh Hazlewood. Cummins brings formidable credentials to Adelaide Oval, where he maintains a spectacular career bowling average of 21.19 across 71 Tests, with 309 total wickets. His leadership presence will relieve stand-in captain Steve Smith, who has guided the team during Cummins’ recovery period.