Key facts
- President Trump called Australia's social media reforms 'extortion' and threatened tariffs.
- The Trump administration will confront Australia over its plan to regulate digital platforms.
- Proposed laws would require platforms to take down harmful content and offer algorithm opt-outs.
- Big tech companies face fines over $100 million for breaching the proposed laws.
- Australian officials stated the country's relationship with the US is not threatened.
President Donald Trump has characterized Australia's proposed social media reforms as 'extortion,' threatening tariffs and stating the U.S. administration will confront the nation over its plans. The legislation aims to compel digital platforms to remove harmful content and allow users to opt out of algorithm-driven feeds, with potential fines exceeding $100 million for breaches. White House spokesperson Kush Desai indicated concerns would be raised with trading partners. Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells downplayed the U.S. statement, asserting Australia's sovereignty and right to protect its citizens. The proposed laws would shield children from content related to eating disorders, misogyny, crime, and cyberbullying, and protect all users from illegal material. The Greens party has called for higher fines tied to global revenue and for personalized feeds to be opt-in by default. Meanwhile, Australian businesses have expressed concerns that the regulations could impact their visibility and revenue, while some conservatives accuse the government of intending to censor free speech.