Protect children now, ban social media for those aged under 16, Momentum urges
Tech companies will not change their addictive algorithms or toxic platforms out of goodwill, the political party is warning
Momentum on Friday urged the government to take immediate, decisive action to protect children from the harmful effects of social media.
Waiting for social media giants to self-regulate is useless, the political party said, adding that Malta must act today.
"Tech companies have proven they will consistently prioritise profits over children’s well-being.
"They will not change their addictive algorithms or toxic platforms out of goodwill and will only react when faced with overwhelming backlash from a united, global front," general secretary Mark Camilleri said in a statement.
The party's comments follow a decision by the UK to ban social media for children
European Commissioner Glenn Micallef has also urged EU member states to adopt a blueprint for age verification as part of efforts to protect young people from online harm caused by social media.
Momentum has already urged the authorities to ban social media for children under the age of 16.
Countries like Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UK are introducing age-based restrictions, with similar discussions sweeping across Europe in Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Greece, the party added on Friday.
“The tech giants refuse to dial down their addictive features and will only capitulate when enough countries push back. Malta needs to join this international movement right now," Camilleri said.
"Doing so not only adds to the massive global pressure needed to force their hand, but more importantly, it throws an immediate, protective shield around our youths today.”
The longer Malta delays, the longer our children remain exposed to exploitation by algorithms designed to addict them, Camilleri warned.