I am sure you’ve heard the news by now. It’s making headlines far and wide, even appearing on the BBC via my Fetch, so the world is watching: The age for social media use has officially been confirmed at 16. In just a fortnight, this legislation will be passed, and I am sure you all feel a wave of emotions—baffled, heartbroken, shocked, disgusted, and angry. And so do I. It’s a heavy moment for youth and digital rights.
This decision didn’t come in isolation. It follows relentless payment and lobbying efforts by 36Months, the Heads Up Alliance, and News Corp, showcasing the deeply rooted corruption and political influence in Canberra. The heartbreak isn’t just about this legislation; it’s about the disappointment in our supposed progressive leaders, who are pushing policies that undermine freedom and personal privacy. A headline from The Guardian captures this troubling shift: “‘We don’t want them in Australia at all’: Labor wants more powers to re-detain and remove non-citizens to third countries”. It’s a disheartening reminder that the leftist party many trusted is treading a troubling path.
However, now is not the time to stay down in the dumps. We may mourn the loss of digital rights today, but losing this battle doesn’t mean the war is over. We must press on, work harder, and continue advocating for change. There’s a chance our efforts won’t turn the tide right away, but every action matters.
For those directly impacted or unwilling to hand over personal ID to access social media, I strongly recommend investing in a paid VPN for privacy and freedom. Services like NordVPN are offering solid deals, such as three months free and then only $3 AUD per month during Black Friday. But remember, the choice is yours.
We don’t want to sound like Wikipedia asking for donations, but this fight requires resources. If you can contribute any amount, whether it’s the cost of a cup of coffee or more, it will go a long way toward keeping our movement alive and strong.
Please, stay vigilant, share our message, and keep hope alive. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram (link in our account description). We’re here, and our movement isn’t going anywhere.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Together, we will keep the fight alive.
Stay tuned and stay strong.