The Australian Greens plan to push the Labor government to strengthen proposed laws targeting big tech companies, advocating for individuals to have the right to sue platforms for financial compensation. The Greens aim to leverage their support for the digital duty of care legislation, which is expected to be introduced this week, to push for stricter penalties, including fines based on global revenue.
The Greens' push for stronger big tech regulation, including a private right of action and revenue-based fines, could significantly increase compliance costs and legal risks for technology companies operating in Australia, potentially impacting their business models and investment strategies.
The Australian Greens are preparing to push the Labor government to significantly strengthen proposed laws aimed at regulating big tech companies. As Labor gears up to introduce its digital duty of care legislation this week, the Greens intend to leverage their support to advocate for individuals' right to take legal action against platforms and seek financial compensation for harm suffered online.
Greens communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young emphasized that the laws must address the addictive nature of platforms and that enforcement should not solely rest with the eSafety commissioner. She argued that a private right of action is necessary to compel tech giants to improve user safety.
The Greens' negotiating position is strengthened by the Coalition's opposition to the duty of care plan. The party's new leader, David Shoebridge, is anticipated to adopt a more assertive approach in negotiations compared to his predecessor, potentially impacting the government's legislative agenda.
Labor's proposed laws aim to protect users from various harms, including pornography, eating disorder content, misogynistic material, and content glorifying crime or dangerous stunts. Platforms will be required to document measures taken to address these issues, and users over 16 will gain tools to disable algorithm-driven content. The eSafety commissioner will have the authority to issue removal notices. However, Hanson-Young has cautioned that the proposed fines, set at over A$100 million, are insufficient to deter large corporations and advocates for penalties tied to global revenue.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has stated her commitment to working constructively with the Greens and other parties to establish basic safety standards, emphasizing the need for platforms to embed safety by design. Conversely, shadow communications spokesperson Sarah Henderson has voiced concerns that the duty of care laws could potentially restrict freedom of speech.
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