Australia social media ban: LinkedIn says it does not appeal under 16-s; wants to be exempt

LinkedIn has submitted a statement claiming its platform is not interesting enough to lure child users.

LinkedIn has submitted a statement to an Australian senate committee ahead of the country’s ban proposal claiming its professional networking platform is not interesting enough to lure child users.

“LinkedIn simply does not have content interesting and appealing to minors,” the company said in statement to BBC.

Australia’s House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday (November 27, 2024) to ban children below 16 from major social media platforms and it could become a law this week. Social media giants that will be covered by this potential law include Google, Meta, Snapchat-owner Snap, TikTok, and X. Several companies have expressed concerns that the law is being implemented too quickly and critics worry that children under 16 may still use social media without safety guardrails.

However, supporters of the law claim that it will help keep children safe from online dangers, and assist parents in raising them as responsible internet users.

Non-compliant social media companies could be hit with fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars, or $33 million.

LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft, is hoping to get an exemption from the list of social media companies coming under the scope of the legislation.

LinkedIn does allow minors aged 16 and 17 on its platform across several regions.