Greens push for right to sue big tech as Labor axes ministerial powers
The Greens outline demands for stronger protections and tougher penalties for tech giants, as Labor seeks a way through the Senate for its digital safety laws.
The Australian Greens are advocating for the right to sue big tech companies over online harms and are pushing for stronger penalties to bolster Labor's Digital Duty of Care proposal. The federal government is also set to withdraw controversial ministerial powers that could expand the scope of digital safety laws. Labor plans to introduce legislation on online safety, gas reserves, and a minimum tax on discretionary trusts this week, joining the Coalition's proposals for a 30% tax on trust distributions.
The Greens have three conditions for the bill, including private compensation, stringent fines, and addressing addictive technology. The Coalition opposes the Digital Duty of Care, fearing it could lead to political censorship. The government is reportedly considering scrapping the ministerial discretion component before introducing the bill later this week.
Greens spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young emphasized the need for legal action and compensation for online harms, stating that individuals should have the right to take on big tech through a private right of action.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
