Australia is on a collision course with US big tech. Could it cause Trump to turn on his ‘mate’? | Mark Kenny
Summary
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to introduce new laws imposing fines on big tech companies to enforce a "digital duty of care," requiring them to reduce harmful online content and allow users to opt out of personalized algorithms. These changes follow Australia’s earlier social media rules, including a ban on social media use by under-16s and a tax on advertising revenues for tech firms, and have drawn attention and some criticism from the US government and tech companies.Key Facts
- Australia is proposing a "digital duty of care" law to hold social media platforms responsible for user safety online.
- The law would let users opt out of algorithms that promote polarizing or harmful content.
- The government compares these digital standards to safety rules for cars or food.
- This move follows Australia’s 2024 ban on social media use for children under 16.
- A 2.5% tax on social media companies’ Australian advertising revenue was introduced to support local media.
- The Trump administration has expressed concerns about these measures, calling them potential extortion and digital taxes.
- Australia’s PM Albanese plans to push ahead despite tensions with US tech companies and White House officials.
- The opposition in Australia criticizes the duty of care law, fearing it could limit free speech.
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