Tech companies face $100m fines if they fail to protect young users
Tech companies face $100 million fines if they fail to protect users under 18.
The government will ask parliament to support proposed digital duty-of-care laws when MPs return on Monday. Under the laws, tech companies could face fines of more than $100 million if they fail to find and stop harmful content shown to users younger than 18.
Harmful content includes material that encourages disordered eating, promotes misogyny, or involves online bullying. The government does not plan to pass laws before year's end.
But it is seeking feedback to gain broad support. The coalition opposes the changes.
They say giving ministers power to define harmful content could become political censorship. Communications Minister Anika Wells said she is willing to change the wording to make the bill workable.
- More than $100 million
- Maximum fine
- Under 18
- Protected age group
- Monday
- Parliament return
Why it mattersThese laws would change how social media platforms work in Australia. They would also set a new global standard for keeping young people safe online.
AustraliaAustralian teenagers would get new protections against harmful content, and Australian tech companies would face new compliance costs and legal exposure.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
