Big Tech’s Duty of Care: Australia Leads by Example

Australia’s push for stronger online safety laws and AI regulations has been a long time coming, but its latest efforts may finally bring the tech giants to heel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook at Cupertino is part of a broader effort to hold big technology accountable for the harm its platforms cause.

The proposed legislation unveiled this month places a “duty of care” requirement on social media companies, similar to what is seen in countries like Germany and France. This requirement addresses not only child safety but also the role algorithms play in spreading misinformation and hate speech. Users will be able to opt out of algorithm-driven feeds, giving individuals more control over their online experience.

Australia can’t achieve these regulations alone; it needs the support of global tech giants like Apple to make them effective. Cook’s statement that his company is working on “strong and intuitive controls” to keep kids safe online is a welcome development. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into meaningful action.

The opposition Liberal-National Coalition has already come out against the bill, citing concerns over free speech and the power of the Communications Minister. This concern echoes the familiar refrain from critics who often prioritize corporate interests over public safety. Australians are increasingly demanding more from their government when it comes to online protection.

Last year’s social media ban for children under 16 was touted as a world-first crackdown on online bullying and predatory algorithms. However, data released last month showed that many young Australians continued to use Instagram and TikTok despite the law. This highlights the need for tougher regulations and greater enforcement.

Australia’s efforts are part of a growing trend towards stricter online safety laws globally. The European Union has introduced its own set of regulations, including the Digital Services Act, which holds platforms responsible for content moderation. The UK has also proposed new laws to regulate social media companies.

The tech industry’s response so far has been underwhelming. Many big players have promised to do better but delivered little in terms of concrete action. It’s time for them to support Australia’s efforts to protect its citizens online by putting their money where their mouth is and implementing meaningful changes.

Governments around the world must work together to create a safer online environment, holding the tech industry accountable for the harm it causes. The status quo is no longer acceptable; it’s time for big technology to take responsibility for its platforms and the impact they have on society.