This is the problem with any well meaning government legislation.

At it’s core I think regulating social media companies is fine as these foreign multinationals are effectively unregulated. Unregulated pursuit of profit can have harmful effects on individuals and the community and it is totally appropriate to legislate where there is a well demonstrated public interest.

As soon as you start down the path of regulation it presents an opportunity for everyone else to push their agenda. I suspect tech companies outside of social media see these laws as a chance to damage industry competitors if they can get their competitors products classified as social media. Tech vendors want a piece of age verification services. Media and advertising is looking to push their interests. It makes sense for the gambling industry to be throwing money and influence around as well.

Any support the legislation had from people hoping for the best will be buried the moment the gambling lobby is seen to be benefiting.