Extreme Covid measures in Australia

[ExomatrixTV]

I have copied Johns post over to this Austalian based thread to bring it to the attention of people living in Australia.

• source
• dutch 🇳🇱 (+ Multi-Language Options). 🦜🦋🌳

[Harmony]

This video is about free speech in Australia. I am posting it here because of the ramifications it could have on all information people need to share, and also to bring it to the attention of Australians or people living in Australia.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=FaxEOXGBrY4

[ExomatrixTV]

• Australia's 🇦🇺 Insane Social Media Ban:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=yUNDWsR2-Oc

World first: Banning children under 16 from using social media. On the surface it sounds fine but as you dig deeper, things get murky.

• A new Australian bill aimed at banning social media access for children aged 16 and younger due to concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth.
• This bill is noted to be the strictest of its kind globally, with provisions for age verification that may involve government ID or biometric data.
• A recent survey shows significant public support for the ban, with 61% of Australians favoring restrictions for those under 17.
• Proposed age verification methods include a double-blind tokenized approach, where a third party verifies age without revealing personal information, and algorithms based on user behavior.
• There is skepticism regarding privacy implications, particularly concerning potential facial scanning or document uploads for verification.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of privacy protections while acknowledging the complexities involved in implementing these measures.
• Raising awareness about the bill's implications for children's safety and privacy in the digital age.
• Critics argue that banning minors from social media could backfire, leading them to seek alternative, less regulated platforms, increasing their risk.
• Concerns are also raised about the loss of peer support that social media provides and the belief that parental responsibility should take precedence over government intervention.
• The effectiveness of the ban is questioned, as it could be easily circumvented with VPNs, and the legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament with uncertain enforcement methods.

A new Australian bill aimed at banning social media access for children aged 16 and younger, highlighting the ongoing concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth. The bill is noted to be the strictest of its kind globally, with provisions for age verification that may involve government ID or biometric data. There's significant public support for the ban, with a recent survey showing 61% of Australians in favor of restricting access for those under 17. The proposed age verification methods include a double-blind tokenized approach, where a third party verifies age without revealing personal information, and algorithms based on user behavior. However, there is skepticism regarding privacy implications, particularly about potential face scanning or document uploads for verification. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of privacy protections while acknowledging the complexities involved in implementing these measures. Overall, the video raises awareness about the bill's implications for children's safety and privacy in the digital age.

The implications of proposed age verification measures for social media and the associated use of biometric data like facial recognition and voice analysis. The conversation highlights concerns that verifying users' ages, particularly for those under 16, may lead to mass surveillance as everyone would need to submit biometric information to access social media platforms. Digital rights activists express skepticism about the effectiveness of banning minors from social media, arguing it would create a system for monitoring the entire population. The video also touches on Australia’s Digital ID bill, which aims to establish a national identity system. Critics worry that this could lead to government overreach in monitoring citizens' activities. The bill has faced opposition for being passed without debate, raising alarms about privacy and civil liberties. Additionally, the Australian government is pushing a controversial misinformation bill that restricts commentary on sensitive topics like elections and the economy, which has garnered widespread criticism across the political spectrum for infringing on free speech rights. Ultimately, the misinformation bill was withdrawn due to lack of support, reflecting the significant pushback against these legislative measures.

The recent scrapping of a misinformation bill in Australia and the ongoing concerns regarding a proposed ban on social media access for those under 16. Critics argue that the ban could backfire, leading young people to seek alternative, less regulated platforms, potentially exposing them to greater risks. There are also concerns about the loss of peer support that social media provides and the idea that parental responsibility should be prioritized over government intervention. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the ban is questioned, as it could be easily circumvented with VPNs. The legislation will be introduced to Parliament, with implementation expected in a year, but there is uncertainty about how it will be enforced. Ultimately, while the intent to protect children online is acknowledged, the speaker expresses skepticism about the proposed measures and emphasizes the need for parental involvement.

Australia’s 🇦🇺 Social Media Ban - Sources & Notes:

• youtu.be/ojth1s5n4DE
• instagram.com/reel/DCORGPcin4J/?igsh=eTJycm8xMmxpaWkz
• x.com/matt_barrie/status/1855919505790099715?s=46
• x.com/themilkbartv/status/1855777452909600832?s=46
• x.com/fetchstep/status/1855023295336530058?s=46
• omny.fm/shows/ben-fordham-full-show/youtube-too-teen-journalist-finds-flaw-in-social-m
• reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/australia-proposes-ban-social-media-those-under-16-2024-11-06
• x.com/QBCCIntegrity/status/1854352853038698839
• x.com/QBCCIntegrity/status/1854344818681331853
• x.com/ausvstheagenda/status/1854293597891518589
• x.com/SBSNews/status/1854300683098337294
• x.com/QBCCIntegrity/status/1853975957117587590
• youtu.be/K58fOfpkhHU?si=3C3RbsaladMjgcOY
• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34275379/
• statista.com/statistics/252323/major-depressive-episode-among-us-youths-by-gender-since-2004
• abc.net.au/news/2024-08-19/social-media-polling-australians-back-regulation-age-limits/104233852
• smh.com.au/politics/federal/how-would-a-social-media-ban-actually-work-20240910-p5k99z.html
• esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/Age-Assurance-Issues-Paper-July2024_0.pdf?v=1719792000021
• x.com/TheMilkBarTV/status/1854330322391105679
• smh.com.au/technology/social-media-age-limits-will-stoke-surveillance-says-expert-20240618-p5jmlr.html
• finance.gov.au/about-us/news/2024/digital-id-bill-passes-parliament
• youtube.com/watch?v=D8gapk5msBc
• youtube.com/watch?v=lbKVlhtEUW8
• youtube.com/watch?v=zN0sJeo7jDQ
• sbs.com.au/news/article/what-is-the-misinformation-bill-and-why-has-it-triggered-worries-about-freedom-of-speech/4n3ijebde
• newjerseymonitor.com/2023/12/11/n-j-minors-would-need-parental-consent-to-sign-up-for-social-media-accounts-under-new-bill
• content.next.westlaw.com/practical-law/document/I81e99d58198111ee8921fbef1a541940/Louisiana-Enacts-Law-Regulating-Social-Media-Use-for-Minors
• spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/01/09/social-media-law-blocked
• aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/19/australias-social-media-ban-for-minors-has-this-worked-elsewhere
• journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21677026231207791?icid=int.sj-full-text.citing-articles.4

The Australian government's initiative to ban social media access for children under 16 represents a significant legislative move aimed at addressing the potential harms associated with social media use among young people. Here are some key implications and considerations of this proposed ban:

1. Privacy Concerns:

• The requirement for age verification could lead to increased collection of personal data, potentially including biometric data like facial recognition or voice analysis. This has raised alarms about privacy, with fears of creating a surveillance system where all users might need to verify their identity to use social media. Critics argue this could be an overreach, potentially infringing on civil liberties.

2. Effectiveness and Enforcement:

• There's skepticism about how effectively this ban can be enforced. VPNs and other tools could easily bypass age restrictions, suggesting that the ban might not achieve its intended effect of keeping children off social media platforms. This leads to questions about the practical implementation and the potential for driving youth towards less regulated online spaces.

3. Public Support vs. Implementation Challenges:

• While there is considerable public support for the ban, as indicated by surveys, the practical aspects of how it will be implemented are under scrutiny. The methods proposed, like third-party token verification or behavioral algorithms, introduce their own set of issues regarding privacy and the reliability of technology.

4. Impact on Youth Development:

• Social media platforms serve multiple purposes beyond entertainment; they are avenues for social interaction, community building, especially for marginalized youth, and can be sources of support. Critics argue that a ban might isolate children, removing beneficial aspects of online interaction and potentially driving them to seek out more dangerous or unregulated digital spaces.

5. Parental vs. Governmental Responsibility:

• There's an ongoing debate about where the responsibility should lie—whether it should be more on parents to monitor and guide their children's online activities rather than imposing a government-mandated ban. This touches on broader discussions about parental rights, digital literacy, and autonomy in child-rearing.

6. Precedent for Global Policy:

• If successful or if it sets a workable model, this legislation could influence other countries considering similar restrictions. However, its global first status also means Australia is navigating uncharted waters, with outcomes that could either validate the approach or serve as a cautionary tale.

7. Legal and Ethical Debates:

• The ban touches on freedom of speech, privacy rights, and the right to information. There's a balance to strike between protecting children and not over-regulating internet use in a way that could affect all users. The withdrawal of a related misinformation bill due to lack of support highlights the sensitivity and complexity of legislating internet use.

8. Mental Health and Social Isolation:

• Proponents of the ban argue it might reduce mental health issues like depression and anxiety linked to social media use. However, without providing alternative platforms or support systems, there's a risk of social isolation, especially if children cannot access moderated, safe online communities.

In conclusion, while the intent behind the ban is to safeguard children, the execution and implications of such a policy are fraught with complexities. The legislation's success will largely depend on finding a balance between privacy protection, effective enforcement, and ensuring that the developmental and social needs of young people are still met in a digital age.

[ExomatrixTV]

• ‘World has gone bat beep crazy’: TV host reacts to Australian 🇦🇺 ABC boss’ criticism of Joe Rogan:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=IgPW7Q9qAl0

Sky News host Erin Molan has criticised ABC chairman Kim Williams after his attack on podcaster Joe Rogan earlier this week.

In a rant on Wednesday, Mr Williams argued the podcaster took advantage of "people's vulnerabilities", and said he found Rogan’s popularity “deeply repulsive".

“Could he have put it any better no, not in what he said that was ridiculous and just not true,” Mr Molan said.

“But the fact he said it, and potentially believes it demonstrates beyond any doubt exactly why they don't have an audience within a cooee of his, they don't get it.”

• All Joe Rogan does is have conversations. His guests can say whatever they want.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=LuanpdWkWCA

He just described himself.
When he says he doesn’t get it, he doesn’t get it. He should be fired for not getting it.




ABC Boss vs Joe Rogan The CRIES at Backlash 😂 "They're Demonic". ABC boss Kim Williams recently spoke in front of National Press Club Australia where he articulated his disgust and repulsion at Joe Rogan. Even though Kim Williams doesn't watch Joe Rogan's podcast, he has branded it 'predatory' and 'malevolent'.

IN FULL: Mr Kim Williams AM's Address to the National Press Club here

TV host blasts ABC boss for playing ‘victim card’ after attacking Joe Rogan here

• source

[Ankle Biter]

Posted by ExomatrixTV (here)

• Australia's 🇦🇺 Insane Social Media Ban:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=yUNDWsR2-Oc

World first: Banning children under 16 from using social media. On the surface it sounds fine but as you dig deeper, things get murky.

• A new Australian bill aimed at banning social media access for children aged 16 and younger due to concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth.
• This bill is noted to be the strictest of its kind globally, with provisions for age verification that may involve government ID or biometric data.
• A recent survey shows significant public support for the ban, with 61% of Australians favoring restrictions for those under 17.
• Proposed age verification methods include a double-blind tokenized approach, where a third party verifies age without revealing personal information, and algorithms based on user behavior.
• There is skepticism regarding privacy implications, particularly concerning potential facial scanning or document uploads for verification.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of privacy protections while acknowledging the complexities involved in implementing these measures.
• Raising awareness about the bill's implications for children's safety and privacy in the digital age.
• Critics argue that banning minors from social media could backfire, leading them to seek alternative, less regulated platforms, increasing their risk.
• Concerns are also raised about the loss of peer support that social media provides and the belief that parental responsibility should take precedence over government intervention.
• The effectiveness of the ban is questioned, as it could be easily circumvented with VPNs, and the legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament with uncertain enforcement methods.

Is Australian govt. leading us to believe that user behaviour algorithms and facial recognition capabilities of smart devices with front facing cameras is new and not yet being implemented by private tech companies?

[norman]

Here's a Highwire report on the same topic as Ankle Biter's post above

Australia Unites Against Misinformation Madness . . . BUT
https://thehighwire.com/ark-videos/a...ation-madness/


A highly flawed ‘Misinformation Bill’ in Australia was shot down by both sides of the aisle, but a newly introduced bill restricting users under 16 years of age from using social media entirely has stoked fears of a national social ID down under.

AIRDATE: December 5, 2024


Rumble Video version:
https://rumble.com/v5wq6dn-australia...e9s=src_v1_ucp


Source: https://www.rumble.com/video/v5uhopt/?pub=1yatds

[BMJ]

Unbelievable ...

Moderna opens world-leading vaccine facility in Victoria

4/12/24

The Southern Hemisphere’s only commercial-scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility has opened in Victoria, backed by both the Australian and Victorian Governments. This landmark development will enable the production of world-class mRNA vaccines and medicines in Australia, strengthening Victoria’s leadership in mRNA technology, both globally and nationally.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan today joined federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Acting Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson to open Moderna’s cutting-edge facility at Monash University’s Clayton campus, which will turbocharge the growth of Australia’s sovereign mRNA manufacturing industry.

The opening of Moderna’s manufacturing facility makes Australia one of very few countries in the world, and the only country in the Southern Hemisphere, with pandemic scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capability.

The facility will have the capacity to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses each year for respiratory diseases including influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19, subject to regulatory approvals.

Moderna’s Australia operations will support up to 500 across advanced medical manufacturing, R&D, supply chains and the broader workforce, with over 140 people currently employed by Moderna in Australia. Subject to regulatory approval, Moderna’s facility is expected to produce its first mRNA vaccines in 2025.

The facility is a key component of Moderna’s strategic investment into Australia, complemented by the opening of its Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Disease and Moderna’s Headquarters for Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and Oceania in Victoria in 2023.

With Moderna and also BioNTech establishing major hubs in the state, Victoria is the only place in the world where both mRNA leaders operate research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities.

The facility is the result of a 10-year partnership between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and Moderna to advance Australia's sovereign manufacturing and R&D capability in mRNA medicines and therapeutics.

Link: https://www.invest.vic.gov.au/news-a...ty-in-victoria