The bill, introduced this week, is built around a core principle: online service providers — including social media platforms, websites, online games and messaging apps — have a duty to provide a safe environment online. Under the legislation, platforms must take appropriate action to protect all Australians from seriously harmful material and conduct.
Separate provisions require platforms to protect Australian children from harmful content and conduct such as bullying, material promoting disordered eating, encouraging dangerous stunts, and some harmful algorithmic design features. The legislation would also enable the minister to require tech platforms to give users tools to manage design features of their service, including controls over recommended content. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described this as the 'my feed, my way' initiative, offering Australians greater control over their social media algorithms.
The government released an exposure draft of the bill on September 8 and opened it to written feedback for two weeks. Several organisations and research groups made submissions, though the government has not provided a summary of the feedback. Experts generally welcomed the proactive approach of placing responsibility on online service providers. Submissions highlighted the importance of provisions to protect researchers, grant them access to platform data, and allow the use of 'sock puppet' accounts for independent scrutiny.
However, experts also called for changes to make the duty more meaningful and effective. Some pointed out that enforcement should not fall solely on the eSafety Commissioner; individuals should also be able to enforce the duty and seek remedies for harm, either individually or collectively.