Labor will drag Coalition's free speech fight onto harder ground
The Australian government's proposed digital duty of care laws have sparked a political debate over censorship and tech company accountability. Opposition members argue the legislation could be used for political censorship, while the government maintains it is necessary to reduce online harm.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a significant shift in how governments regulate internet content and the legal responsibilities of major tech platforms.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has been at pains to stress the digital duty of care is about shifting more responsibility onto tech companies. ( ABC News: Joel Wilson )
Link copied Share Share article The dividing line in Australia's next big fight over the internet is not whether online harm exists, but who gets to define it.
As fresh battle lines were drawn up over Labor's proposed digital duty of care this week, another ongoing war entered a new phase.
The escalating stoush between Andrew Hastie and Pauline Hanson got personal after a One Nation video branded the Liberal frontbencher and former SAS officer a traitor.
Hastie viewed it as a slight on all veterans and challenged the One Nation leader to take responsibility for material her party endorsed and authorised.
Angus Taylor has agreed the video should come down.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in