Overview
- Jonathan Hall KC called for Britain to mirror Australia’s new law barring under-16s from major social platforms, with non-compliant firms facing fines up to A$49.5 million.
- He argued online networks can nudge vulnerable youths toward violence, citing cases involving Axel Rudakubana and Nicholas Prosper who consumed extensive violent material online before their attacks.
- Australia’s rollout has already produced visible enforcement, including about 200,000 TikTok account deactivations on the first day, according to government figures reported last month.
- The UK government pointed to the Online Safety Act and Ofcom data showing widespread exposure of pupils to harmful content, stressing that regulators have strong fining powers.
- Experts and critics question privacy, age verification and practical enforceability, and note US court wins by NetChoice against state child-safety laws that highlight legal risks for tougher measures.