Wells open to changing digital harm bill after Coalition censorship concerns
Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells has expressed willingness to amend proposed digital harm legislation following concerns from the Coalition regarding potential government censorship. The bill aims to hold tech giants accountable for online harm, but critics fear the ministerial powers granted by the draft are too broad.
Why it matters
This reflects the global tension between regulating online safety and protecting free speech in the digital age.
Anika Wells says she is willing to change the digital harm proposal. ( ABC News: Callum Flinn )
Communications Minister Anika Wells is open to changing draft laws that would allow her to designate what constitutes serious harm online.
The bill would require online platforms to reduce foreseeable harm or face fines of more than $100 million.
Labor will consult tech giants on the proposal and says it is open to working with the Greens and Coalition to finalise a position.
Link copied Share Share article Communications Minister Anika Wells says she is willing to make a concession on draft ministerial powers under proposed digital duty of care laws in order to gain the support of the Coalition.
While the draft laws spell out online conduct that constitutes serious harm, the minister would have the power to designate additional serious harm that tech platforms must mitigate.
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