Coalition and Greens push for Senate inquiry into digital duty of care bill, delaying algorithm off-switch

The inquiry, announced on Tuesday by Coalition communications spokeswoman Sarah Henderson and Greens counterpart Sarah Hanson-Young, throws into doubt the timeline for the Albanese government's proposed digital duty of care regime. While both parties said the inquiry would report by the end of the year, a final date has yet to be confirmed.

Henderson called the bill "deeply flawed" and accused Communications Minister Anika Wells of pursuing "an insidious agenda to control what you say and see online." She said she would seek a report by November 24, the final sitting week of the year.

Hanson-Young said she supported an inquiry to "kick the tyres on the government's proposed laws to make sure it actually works." Sources within the Greens indicated openness to a reporting date that could see altered legislation passed by the end of the year.

The development comes as Wells acknowledged existing laws cannot block the livestreaming of a controversial execution in the United States. Hanson-Young is set to meet with Meta to petition the social media giant not to broadcast the stream.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Australian social media users' ability to opt out of algorithmic recommendation systems and seek damages for online harm could be postponed by months.
The outcome will test whether Australia can impose meaningful regulatory obligations on global tech platforms.
A Senate inquiry allows opposition and crossbench to amend the bill, potentially reshaping its scope and enforcement mechanisms.

Background

The digital duty of care bill would require platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm from their services, and give users the right to switch off algorithms. It is part of a broader push by the Albanese government to tighten online safety laws, following similar moves in the UK and Europe.

Key Perspectives

[Communications Minister Anika Wells / Labor]: The bill is needed to fill gaps in existing laws, which Wells said cannot stop the livestreaming of an execution. Labor wants the legislation passed to give users more control and hold platforms accountable. [Coalition's Sarah Henderson]: Argues the bill represents government overreach and an "insidious agenda" to control online speech. She backs a thorough inquiry to expose flaws. [Greens' Sarah Hanson-Young]: Supports the bill in principle but wants it strengthened. "We want digital duty of care that has teeth and will actually keep people safe from big tech's toxic algorithms." The Greens are open to amendments and a swift passage if the bill is improved.

What to Watch

The Senate vote on referring the bill to inquiry, expected shortly.
Whether a firm reporting date of November 24 is set, or a later date that could push passage into 2027.
The outcome of Hanson-Young's meeting with Meta over the planned livestream, which may influence public pressure on the bill.