Latest news with #Aus
eNCA
2 hours ago
- Business
- eNCA
Australian trial says tech for social media teen ban can work
SYDNEY - Australia's world-leading ban on under-16s joining social media sites cleared a big hurdle Friday as a trial found digital age checks can work "robustly and effectively". Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X could face fines of up to Aus$50-million for failing to comply with the legislation, which was passed in November. They have described the law -- which is due to come into effect by the end of this year -- as vague, rushed and "problematic". There has been widespread concern over children's use of online platforms as evidence shows that social media can have negative effects on children's mental and physical health. Digital age verification systems -- which would be critical to the ban -- can work, said the interim findings of an independent Age Assurance Technology Trial, conducted for the government. "These preliminary findings indicate that age assurance can be done in Australia privately, robustly and effectively," it said. There are "no significant technological barriers" to deploying age-checking systems in Australia, said the trial's project director, Tony Allen. "These solutions are technically feasible, can be integrated flexibly into existing services and can support the safety and rights of children online," he said in a statement. In a separate interview with Australia's Nine Network, Allen said preventing children from circumventing age verification tools was a "big challenge", however. "I don't think anything is completely foolproof," he said. There are a "plethora" of approaches to age verification but no single solution to suit all cases, said the trial report, in which 53 organisations took part. Australia's legislation is being closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans. Greece spearheaded a proposal this month for the European Union to limit children's use of online platforms by setting an age of digital adulthood -- barring children from social media without parental consent.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Australian trial says tech for social media teen ban can work
SYDNEY: Australia's world-leading ban on under-16s joining social media sites cleared a big hurdle Friday as a trial found digital age checks can work 'robustly and effectively'. Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32 million) for failing to comply with the legislation, which was passed in November. They have described the law -- which is due to come into effect by the end of this year -- as vague, rushed and 'problematic'. There has been widespread concern over children's use of online platforms as evidence shows that social media can have negative effects on children's mental and physical health. Digital age verification systems -- which would be critical to the ban -- can work, said the interim findings of an independent Age Assurance Technology Trial, conducted for the government. 'These preliminary findings indicate that age assurance can be done in Australia privately, robustly and effectively,' it said. There are 'no significant technological barriers' to deploying age checking systems in Australia, said the trial's project director, Tony Allen. 'These solutions are technically feasible, can be integrated flexibly into existing services and can support the safety and rights of children online,' he said in a statement. In a separate interview with Australia's Nine Network, Allen said preventing children circumventing age verification tools was a 'big challenge', however. 'I don't think anything is completely foolproof,' he said. There are a 'plethora' of approaches to age verification but no single solution to suit all cases, said the trial report, in which 53 organisations took part. Australia's legislation is being closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans. Greece spearheaded a proposal this month for the European Union to limit children's use of online platforms by setting an age of digital adulthood -- barring children from social media without parental consent.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Australian trial says tech for social media ban can work
SYDNEY: Australia's world-leading ban on under-16s joining social media sites cleared a big hurdle Friday as a trial found digital age checks can work 'robustly and effectively'. Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32 million) for failing to comply with the legislation, which was passed in November. They have described the law -- which is due to come into effect by the end of this year -- as vague, rushed and 'problematic'. There has been widespread concern over children's use of online platforms as evidence shows that social media can have negative effects on children's mental and physical health. Digital age verification systems -- which would be critical to the ban -- can work, said the interim findings of an independent Age Assurance Technology Trial, conducted for the government. 'These preliminary findings indicate that age assurance can be done in Australia privately, robustly and effectively,' it said. There are 'no significant technological barriers' to deploying age checking systems in Australia, said the trial's project director, Tony Allen. 'These solutions are technically feasible, can be integrated flexibly into existing services and can support the safety and rights of children online,' he said in a statement. In a separate interview with Australia's Nine Network, Allen said preventing children circumventing age verification tools was a 'big challenge', however. 'I don't think anything is completely foolproof,' he said. There are a 'plethora' of approaches to age verification but no single solution to suit all cases, said the trial report, in which 53 organisations took part. Australia's legislation is being closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans. Greece spearheaded a proposal this month for the European Union to limit children's use of online platforms by setting an age of digital adulthood -- barring children from social media without parental consent.
France 24
13 hours ago
- Business
- France 24
Australian trial says tech for social media teen ban can work
Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32 million) for failing to comply with the legislation, which was passed in November. They have described the law -- which is due to come into effect by the end of this year -- as vague, rushed and "problematic". There has been widespread concern over children's use of online platforms as evidence shows that social media can have negative effects on children's mental and physical health. Digital age verification systems -- which would be critical to the ban -- can work, said the interim findings of an independent Age Assurance Technology Trial, conducted for the government. "These preliminary findings indicate that age assurance can be done in Australia privately, robustly and effectively," it said. There are "no significant technological barriers" to deploying age checking systems in Australia, said the trial's project director, Tony Allen. "These solutions are technically feasible, can be integrated flexibly into existing services and can support the safety and rights of children online," he said in a statement. In a separate interview with Australia's Nine Network, Allen said preventing children circumventing age verification tools was a "big challenge", however. "I don't think anything is completely foolproof," he said. There are a "plethora" of approaches to age verification but no single solution to suit all cases, said the trial report, in which 53 organisations took part. Australia's legislation is being closely monitored by other countries, with many weighing whether to implement similar bans. Greece spearheaded a proposal this month for the European Union to limit children's use of online platforms by setting an age of digital adulthood -- barring children from social media without parental consent.
Courier-Mail
a day ago
- General
- Courier-Mail
Renowned architects list own home after 70 years
On the market for the first time in 70 years, a groundbreaking architect-designed Fig Tree Pocket home is testament to the fact great design is truly timeless. Perched on a ridgeline, the riverside residence was originally built in the late 1940s, and boasts views to Mt Coot-Tha, the city, and Mount Gravatt. The home won a number of awards for its visionary design when first constructed before being purchased by architect Bill Conrad and his wife Janet, who was among Queensland's first female landscape architects. Their son Michael Conrad explained his parents bought the property prior to their wedding in 1957 and lived there for almost their entire married lives. 'Dad grew up in Hamilton and Mum in Coorparoo,' he said. 'So, to move to the other side of town to a property that had been a pineapple plantation with a dirt road was quite bold. 'But for 63 years they lived here. 'It's just one of those houses you never want to move from.' Set over two titles on a sprawling 3136sq m of private grounds, the home has undergone a series of renovations. 'When they bought it, it was a two-bedroom house with maid's quarters underneath,' Mr Conrad said. 'After my eldest brother was born, they extended it to add another two bedrooms. 'Then, when we all moved out, they remodelled, and one bedroom became an extension to the dining area.' Designed to maximise those sweeping city and river views, the home now includes three bedrooms, formal and informal living areas, an open plan kitchen and lounge area, and a self-contained studio. Featuring wood panelling, timber floors, signature stonework, and floor-to-ceiling glass, it boasts a post-modern vibe that was well ahead of its time. 'The Crow ash timber floors and the stonework in the entry way are absolutely beautiful,' Mr Conrad said. 'To do something like that was really a bit daring for such a conservative time.' But it's not just the house with architectural credentials. The tiered garden is a work of art itself. 'The garden was designed by Mum and it's just as unique as the house and the site it's located on,' Mr Conrad said. 'There are bushy areas, native zones, exotic bits, and it was designed so the garden would grow around the house but when you're inside you can still enjoy the view and see everything.' Mr Conrad said the property and its riverside location made for an idyllic childhood as the suburb of Fig Tree Pocket evolved around them. 'Mum and Dad had three boys, and we grew up in that house, running around in the bushy backyard, fishing in the river, and catching crabs,' Mr Conrad said. 'We'd sail, water ski, and one time I even swam across the river to visit a friend. 'It was great fun.' The property also proved ideal for entertaining, with Mr Conrad recalling long lunches enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with up to 70 people in attendance. 'They'd go right through the afternoon and into the evening,' he said. MORE: Brutal honesty sends 46-year Aus family home viral 'Iconic' pink house hits the market Party pad that has hosted celebs and sports stars hits the market Located at 290 Jesmond Rd, the property encompasses two titles, includes 36m of waterfrontage and is touted as the highest riverfront property in Brisbane's western suburbs. It offers buyers a series of options, including preserving the architect-designed home, rebuilding or renovating the residence, or potentially developing the site. The property is listed with Rachael Spinks of Spinks & Co Residential and is scheduled to go to auction on June 28.
