New Australian bill requires social media to protect users from harm
Parliament introduced a bill. It requires social media platforms to protect users from harmful material and give users control over recommendations.
Communications Minister Anika Wells introduced the digital duty of care bill into parliament. The bill amends the Online Safety Act.
Online service providers must now create safe spaces and protect Australians from serious harm and bad behavior. The law includes special protections for children.
It shields them from bullying, disordered eating, dangerous stunts, and harmful app design. The 'my feed, my way' program lets Australians control what they see.
It lets them choose what social media algorithms recommend to them. The bill covers gender-based violence and non-consensual deepfake images as serious harms.
Experts generally welcomed the idea of holding platforms responsible. Some want tougher penalties and the right for users to sue directly.
The bill now goes to a Senate inquiry before a final vote.
- September 8
- Exposure draft released
- Anika Wells
- Minister
- Two weeks
- Consultation period
Why it mattersYou'll soon have legal rights to control your social media algorithms. Platforms will face consequences if they don't protect you from serious harm.
AustraliaThis is Australian law affecting every Australian on social media, giving the government power to regulate what content algorithms push to you and your children.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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