Google, Meta push Australia to delay children’s social media ban

Google, Meta urge Australia to delay social media ban bill for children, citing need for more assessment and consultation.

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

ticker NEWS

Google and Meta Platforms have urged the Australian government to delay a proposed bill that would ban most social media for children under 16.

The bill, part of strict measures on children’s social media use, aims for passage by the end of the parliamentary year.

Introduced last week, the bill allowed only one day for public submissions.

Both companies argued that the government should wait for the outcome of an age-verification trial before proceeding.

The proposed verification could involve biometrics or government ID.

How to police?

Meta noted that without these results, the implications of the bill remain unclear.

The legislation would hold social media firms accountable for age-verification, with fines of up to A$49.5 million for violations.

The opposition Liberal party is likely to back the bill, although some independents claim the process has been rushed.

A Senate committee on communications will report on the bill soon.

TikTok expressed concerns about the lack of clarity and inadequate consultation surrounding the bill.

Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

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News

Starmer aide resigns after Mandelson appointment questioned over Epstein links

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned amid scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. McSweeney accepted responsibility for the controversial decision, calling stepping aside the honourable choice.

Lawmakers raised questions about Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files indicate Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, intensifying the controversy surrounding his diplomatic appointment.

Starmer confirmed that Mandelson misled him about the extent of their friendship and pledged to release documents confirming the details. The resignation signals a significant shake-up in Starmer’s team and ongoing political fallout.

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News

Japan election delivers commanding win for ruling LDP

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Published

10 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is projected to tighten its grip on power following a decisive Lower House election, according to local media forecasts. Early projections suggest the LDP will secure between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat chamber, significantly strengthening its parliamentary position.

Together with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, the governing bloc is expected to cross the 300-seat mark, with some estimates putting the total as high as 366 seats. Voter turnout remained resilient despite heavy snow across parts of the country, as citizens braved severe weather to cast their ballots.

The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in January, a move widely viewed as a strategic gamble to capitalise on her strong public approval ratings. The result appears to reinforce her mandate and consolidate political stability in Japan’s national leadership.

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