US warns Australia that imposing digital duty of care on big tech would be seen as censorship
Trump administration expresses ‘serious concerns’ that forcing firms to allow algorithm optout would infringe Americans’ free speech
TL;DR
- The Trump administration views Australia's digital duty of care laws as a potential mechanism for viewpoint-based censorship.
- The US government is concerned that empowering ministers to declare 'foreseeable harm' could lead to over-moderation and impact protected speech.
- The submission argues that forcing platforms to filter content based on vague government mandates would be seen as facilitating censorship.
- The US has requested Australia withdraw plans requiring platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms that push content.
- Australia's proposed laws aim to protect users under 18 from specific harms like pornography, eating disorder promotion, misogyny, glorification of crime, and cyberbullying.
- The eSafety commissioner would have the power to issue removal notices to social media companies.