This is probably a means of controlling the narrative going forwards. They are worried about kids finding out how much bullshit the media pushes about the west's enemies, China in particular. With an upcoming war or "trade war" with China, all the propaganda is going to go into overdrive. The kids' reaction to Gaza has been horrifying for the ruling class, they don't want a repeat of that, especially as these kids are going to be military aged by the time things really kick off for a war.
Then again, I might be thinking about this far more long term than the Australian parliament, they do have a nasty habit of making incredibly short sighted decisions.
I think it's the majors terrified of losing votes to minors. Labor to the greens and Lib to the teals.
They've both felt threatened, and seen social media be used to shift kids on climate and Palestine. They're doing this alongside electoral reforms to cement funding for a two party system.
Honestly it's really hard to work out whether this is an 'elites experimenting with new policies in a backwoods client state' thing, or the Aus govt are just idiots who can't imagine addressing social problems in a more complex way than 'fuck it just make it illegal'
This is probably a means of controlling the narrative going forwards. They are worried about kids finding out how much bullshit the media pushes about the west's enemies, China in particular. With an upcoming war or "trade war" with China, all the propaganda is going to go into overdrive. The kids' reaction to Gaza has been horrifying for the ruling class, they don't want a repeat of that, especially as these kids are going to be military aged by the time things really kick off for a war.
Then again, I might be thinking about this far more long term than the Australian parliament, they do have a nasty habit of making incredibly short sighted decisions.
It's also a backdoor 5 eyes surveillance bill. Means all adults have to use ID to register on social media.
I think it's the majors terrified of losing votes to minors. Labor to the greens and Lib to the teals.
They've both felt threatened, and seen social media be used to shift kids on climate and Palestine. They're doing this alongside electoral reforms to cement funding for a two party system.
Honestly it's really hard to work out whether this is an 'elites experimenting with new policies in a backwoods client state' thing, or the Aus govt are just idiots who can't imagine addressing social problems in a more complex way than 'fuck it just make it illegal'
Considering our government's attitude towards the internet is that it is a "fad" that will soon blow over, it's probably more of the latter.
Why not both?