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Australia to Impose US$78m Penalties on Big Tech that Breaches ‘Duty of Care’ Rules, Says Albanese
The draft would force platforms to curb harmful content, let users switch off algorithms and face fines of up to Aus$109 million.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled draft 'Digital Duty of Care' laws requiring tech platforms to ensure safer online environments and provide users greater control over their content.
Addressing criticism regarding addictive algorithms and harmful content, the proposal builds on Australia's under-16 social media ban with potential fines reaching Aus$109 million for non-compliance.
Firms must enable users to 'opt out' of algorithms, and the compliance timeframe for content take-down orders will be halved to 24 hours under the new rules.
Communications Minister Anika Wells described big tech as facing a 'reckoning,' while Labor requires support from the Coalition or Greens to pass legislation through the Senate.
Parliament will review the draft laws later this year following consultations with social media companies and civil society, as policymakers navigate ongoing debates regarding government oversight and consumer choice.
Anthony Albanese's government has enacted another law to secure social media platforms, and the Prime Minister calls it "sensuous, pragmatic, and practical."
Social media giants will be exposed to $78 million fines in Australia if they don't protect young users from harmful content, the government announced Tuesday by revealing bills to control technology companies.