‘Global reckoning’ is coming for big tech, says Australian minister
Introduces 'digital duty of care' that will mean Aussies get ‘my feed, my way’ – without algorithms if requested
Australia's government plans to introduce legislation that regulates digital services and imposes a "digital duty of care," according to Minister for Communications Anika Wells. The proposed law aims to be the equivalent of safety standards for online tools and services, similar to those for cars, food, and appliances. Tech companies will still be allowed to operate quickly, but they will not be able to break things.
This "digital duty of care" is a reference to the 1932 case of Donoghue v Stevenson, which established a maker's responsibility to avoid foreseeable harms caused by their acts or omissions. The Australian government seeks to shape technology for the better, rather than have it shape them, by giving users a say in what they see in their feeds.
Critics have labeled the law as government censorship, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized it's about giving people control over their digital experiences. The bill targets content that glorifies crime, promotes terrorism, pertains to eating disorders, pornography, sexual violence, and misogyny. Australia's digital proposals have inspired over 20 countries to implement similar measures for children.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
