By Francesca Hangeior

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese on Thursday submitted a proposal to ban children younger than 16years from using social media.

Albanese and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland pledged to legislate a minimum age limit of 16 years for social media access.

The prime minister had previously announced an intention to introduce legislation to parliament for the age limit before the end of 2024 but had not committed to a specific cut-off age.

He said that the legislation would take responsibility for enforcing the minimum age limit on social media platforms.

“Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

“It’s something of enormous concern, and we know the social harm that can be caused, and we know the consequences here.”

Under the government’s plan, online platforms that fail to restrict access to children will face penalties.

Neither users under 16 who manage to access social media nor their parents or guardians will be penalized.

The ban will come into effect 12 months after the legislation passes parliament and will be enforced by the office of the government’s Safety Commissioner.

“This is world-leading legislation, and we want to make sure we’ve got it right.

” We think there will be some, of course, exclusions and exemptions as well for this, to make sure that there aren’t unintended consequences, but we think this is absolutely the right thing,” Albanese said.

Albanese said he would discuss the proposal with state and territory leaders at a special meeting on Friday.

The federal budget for 2024-25 included funding to trial potential age-assurance technology options.

Albanese and Rowland said that the results of the trial would inform how the new age limit is imposed.

The federal opposition Coalition earlier in 2024 announced it would support a minimum age limit of 16.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Senate Committee on Marine Transport has announced the indefinite postponement of a scheduled public hearing on the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill.

Originally set for November 7, the session was slated to take place at the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, with key stakeholders in attendance to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The bill sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC- Lagos), has the overriding intent to enact legislation that sought to contribute to the country’s security, with a special focus on the country’s maritime interests and regional coastal security.

He said that it was also to ensure adherence to global norms and standards as they relate to maritime security.

However, a statement issued by the Committee Clerk, Dauda Bukar, on Thursday cited the recent passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja as the primary reason for the delay.

Lagbaja died on Tuesday night at the age of 56.

This marks the second postponement of the hearing, which was previously scheduled for Wednesday, November 5.

Though no new date has been set for the public hearing, the Senate Committee has assured stakeholders that discussions on the bill remain a priority.

The statement read, “I am directed to inform all stakeholders and the General Public that the one-day Public Hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Marine Transport National Assembly on The Nigerian Coast Guard Bill scheduled to hold on Thursday 7th November 2024 at the National Assembly Library & Resource Centre has been Postponed indefinitely.

“New date will be announced in due course. This is largely because of the state of mourning for the Demise of the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”

…Says, not outcome they had hoped for

By Francesca Hangeior

Former United States President, Barack Obama, has said the electoral victory of Donald Trump in the election is not the outcome he had hoped for, noting the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.

Obama’s comments stand in stark contrast with Trump’s unprecedented refusal four years ago to concede defeat to Joe Biden, culminating with the violent attack by his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

In a statement on Wednesday, Obama said, “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”

The ex-president also voiced pride over the efforts of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, who were soundly beaten in the election.

Obama called them “two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign.”