Bruce Lehrmann's legal battles and Australia's new social media regulations are at the forefront of national news, highlighting significant developments in both the judicial system and digital safety measures. Lehrmann, a former political staffer, has lost his appeal in a defamation case linked to allegations of rape, while the government enforces new restrictions on social media access for users under 16.

Legal Proceedings in the Lehrmann Case
Bruce Lehrmann has faced a setback in his legal journey as he lost an appeal against a defamation judgment that found he raped Brittany Higgins. The federal court ruled that Higgins' claims were established to the civil standard, affirming the original decision. Justice Michael Wigney stated that the primary judge did not err in their determination, and the judgment was fair to all parties involved. Lehrmann's lawyer described him as an "inspiration" and indicated plans to appeal to the High Court.

New Social Media Regulations for Minors
In a significant move aimed at protecting young users, the Australian government has implemented a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. YouTube has announced its compliance with these regulations, although its parent company, Google, expressed concerns that the laws may not effectively enhance online safety for teenagers. Additionally, the social media platform Lemon8 will restrict its access to users over 16 starting next week, following scrutiny from the eSafety Commission.

eSafety Commissioner Addresses Concerns
Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, has recently faced criticism from US political figures regarding her stance on global online safety measures. Inman Grant defended the Online Safety Act, asserting that it does not infringe upon the freedom of speech of Americans. She addressed inquiries from Australian parliament members regarding the implications of the act and its enforcement across platforms like Roblox, which has not been included in the under-16s ban.

Roblox and Online Safety Investigations
The eSafety Commissioner was questioned about a Guardian investigation into the gaming platform Roblox, specifically about the potential risks children may face while using the service. Independent senator David Pocock highlighted the need to clarify whether Roblox should be classified strictly as a gaming platform or as one that facilitates social interactions among users. Inman Grant outlined upcoming changes to Roblox that aim to enhance age assurance measures, separating different age groups to minimize risks.

Wrap-up
The outcomes of Bruce Lehrmann's legal challenges and the introduction of new regulations for minors on social media reflect ongoing efforts to address serious issues within Australian society. As the government seeks to protect young users online, the legal system continues to grapple with complex cases involving allegations of misconduct.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team