Wells willing to change digital harm proposal to win Coalition support

Communications Minister Anika Wells is open to altering draft legislation concerning online harm, in a bid to gain the support of the Coalition. The proposed bill would require online platforms to reduce foreseeable harm or face penalties exceeding $100 million. Labor is consulting technology giants on the proposal and expresses willingness to cooperate with the Greens and Coalition to finalize a position.

Wells has indicated her readiness to concede on ministerial powers under the proposed digital duty of care laws to secure the support of the Coalition. While the draft laws specify online conduct deemed serious harm, the minister would possess the authority to designate additional serious harms that tech platforms must address. The legislation aims to shift responsibility onto big tech to proactively reduce foreseeable harm or face significant financial penalties.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor criticized the ministerial powers as a blank cheque for political censorship, expressing concerns about free speech and stating that the Coalition would not support the bill in its current form. However, Wells stated she is open to modifying the draft legislation, including allowing parliament to determine what constitutes a serious harm.

If the legislation had been in place when AI tool Grok began allowing users to alter photos, including those of children and teens, the government could have classified it as a harm. The bill proposes an opt-in/opt-out system for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, requiring users to be notified before seeing recommended content or a feed showing only accounts they follow.

While the proposed laws enjoy broad support from the Greens, the party has called for more stringent measures, including penalties linked to the platform's share of global revenue. Recently, AI industry leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI boss Sam Altman, have called for a slower rollout of artificial intelligence technology, emphasizing the need for greater prudence.

Wells reiterated that the government aims to harness the benefits of AI while ensuring the safety of Australians, particularly children, through the proposed digital duty of care legislation.