Australia Mandates 'Digital Duty of Care' for Tech Giants
The new legislation requires social media platforms to proactively reduce online harms, aligning with global efforts in the UK and EU.
- The Australian government will impose a 'digital duty of care' on tech companies to protect users from online harms such as bullying and harmful content.
- The legislation is part of a broader move away from content regulation to a systems-based prevention approach, as announced by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
- Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be legally obligated to conduct risk assessments and mitigate potential harms on their services.
- The initiative follows similar laws in the UK and EU, aiming to place the responsibility for user safety on tech companies rather than consumers.
- Critics argue that the legislation may not address all concerns, especially regarding privacy and the broader regulatory framework.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
Tech Xplore 
Associated Press 
Crikey 
The Conversation 
The Guardian 
The Sydney Morning Herald 