Australia plans to double fines for social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that fail to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated the current laws are not working due to platform resistance, and new legislation will increase maximum fines to A$99 million and empower the eSafety Commissioner.
Meta's Oversight Board has identified systemic human rights concerns and a lack of transparency in Meta's account deactivation policies. The board criticized the company for unclear violation criteria, inadequate customer support for appeals, and failing to provide meaningful assistance to users, including Meta Verified subscribers.
Meta's Oversight Board has raised concerns about the company's opaque account disabling processes, highlighting inconsistencies between Facebook and Instagram and suggesting improvements to appeals and transparency.
A Chinese social media account @Yebali (Night Paris) with over 11 million followers targeting juveniles was permanently banned for forcing young female live-streamers to stay in a tank with a crocodile and hold their breath underwater. The account operated for five years before closing under pressure. The performances involved six to 10 young girl hosts apparently below age 18, breaching Chinese law forbidding minors from hosting live-streams.
