The Australian Computer Society has issued a statement on the Australian social media ban for children under 16. Among other luminaries I get quoted:
"We should be looking at how AI can help create kid-friendly alternatives. If kids are suddenly forced to go cold turkey, we’re risking some pretty severe mental health consequences. Overnight they lose their main way of connecting with friends, and for many young people that’s the only social connection they have. We could actually end up making things worse. There’s a real opportunity here to partner with tech companies to build a safer alternative, instead of cutting them off completely."
The ban has, surprisingly, effected me personally. Today, on the day the ban took effect, BlueSky has told me I have to verify my age. Presumably this is due to the Australian social media ban for under 16 year olds. This is not entirely clear as the notice (below) refers to verifying I am adult, and 16 year olds are not adults. I can read, but not post, until I do.
I have not been that impressed with the quality of discussion in Bluesky, not because it has kid-unfriendly material, but is a sort of "X for Democrats", full of US political material. I can do without Bluesky, so for the moment will not be age verifying.
The notice:
'We have partnered with KWS to verify that you’re an adult. When you click "Begin" below, KWS will check if you have previously verified your age using this email address for other games/services powered by KWS technology. If not, KWS will email you instructions for verifying your age. When you’re done, you'll be brought back to continue using Bluesky.This should only take a few minutes.'
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