Social media firms that flout 'duty of care' face hefty Aussie fines
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Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced draft laws on Tuesday aiming to impose A$109 million fines on social media giants for failing to protect under-18s from harmful content. The legislation, which places a "duty of care" on firms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, would hold them accountable for preventing access to pornography, online bullying, crime glorification, and content promoting eating disorders.
Albanese stated that the community has demanded action, no longer treating Australian children as commodities rather than children.
The draft laws expand on Australia's existing ban for under-16s, implemented late last year. Firms that violate their duty of care could face the hefty fines. Social media platforms are also required to provide users with the option to opt out of personalized algorithms that determine content displayed on feeds. Communications Minister Anika Wells described big tech as facing a reckoning, acknowledging the dual nature of their impact - with both positive and adverse consequences.
Despite the ban, usage of social media apps surged among under-16s in Australia, prompting the introduction of the draft laws to parliament later this year following consultations with relevant parties.
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