Google warns Australia's new internet safety bill could cut off under-18s from Gmail; Meta, TikTok, Snap raise alarm

A proposed Australian internet law, known as the Digital Duty of Care legislation, has raised concerns among major tech companies. If passed, the bill would force Google to block under-18s from using its Gmail service, according to a company policy head. The law requires internet companies to demonstrate steps taken to remove harmful content or face fines of up to A$109 million.

Online companies and free speech advocates argue that the law could grant regulators excessive discretion in deciding what content is harmful, potentially leading to over-moderation. Google's warning highlights the possibility of the law filtering into everyday aspects of the internet, such as everyday communication services like messaging, email, and private file storage.

Representatives from Meta, TikTok, and Snap echoed similar concerns, warning that the bill could chill online communications by providing regulators broad discretion to determine what content or conduct is harmful, while replacing existing mandatory industry codes.