Twitter, Snapchat warns government off undermining online anonymity

Social media giants Twitter and Snapchat are defending anonymity online as lawmakers and bureaucrats work on a series of proposed laws that would force Australians to verify their age before using many of the most popular sites on the internet.

It argues an erosion of anonymity could hurt people who use it to protect themselves online, from survivors of domestic violence to Australians critical of repressive foreign regimes that target dissidents abroad. Communications Minister Paul Fletcher points to the work the government has done to protect young people and consultations underway by the eSafety Commissioner on age verification.

She says her agency was focussed on identifying technical measures that preserved privacy, minimised sharing personal information and demonstrated safety and security. However, the sector is battling a poor reputation after testimony to a US government inquiry from critics such as the Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen on how social media use can make young people feel worse about themselves.

“Do all adults and minors want to routinely provide their personal information, age data, and potentially identity verification documents when they are perusing websites that include user interaction?” Digi said in its submission to the inquiry.

nickbonyhady Of course tech giants don’t want parental and gov interference into youth market ,they invested a squillion. For under 15 there should be accountability ask any parent?

nickbonyhady This is what the government is focussed on when they have a pandemic, poor culture, record deficit, housing crisis, impending inflation problems and climate change. They want to silence their critics. Nothing more.

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