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Australia is the next country in line to introduce federal privacy legislation. Attorney-General Michaelia Cash released an exposure draft of the Privacy Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Online Privacy and Other Measures) Bill 2021, which would enable the creation of a binding Online Privacy code for social media services, data brokers and other large online platforms operating in Australia.
According to the Australian Attorney General, online platforms subject to the code will need to comply with strict new privacy requirements, including stronger protections for children on social media. Under the code, social media platforms will be required to take all reasonable steps to verify their users’ age, and give primary consideration to the best interests of the child when handling children’s personal information. The code will also require platforms to obtain parental consent for users under the age of 16.
This legislation will officially be put into effect sometime over the next 6 months. The United States currently has no consolidated federal privacy legislation, but rather a hodgepodge of laws that leave out crucial areas that require laws. Australia has diagnosed that the online arena needs specific privacy legislation and is giving it due attention. When will the United States catch up?
Here at Rownd, we believe that consumers and users have the right to see and manage their personal data. Interested in learning more? Visit our website at rownd.io for more information.