Australia regulator rejects warning of internet safety bill chilling free speech
Australia’s internet regulator rejected warnings that a proposed online safety law would prompt platforms to censor content to avoid liability. The bill would require internet companies to proactively address potential user harms or face fines of up to A$109 million ($75 million).
1. Regulator disputes censorship warning
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told a Senate inquiry she had seen no indication that companies were over-censoring, arguing that their business models incentivise maximising user engagement. She said excessive content removal was mostly caused by automated moderation systems operating without human oversight, rather than regulatory pressure.
2. Bill faces Senate vote
The Digital Duty of Care legislation would require internet companies to proactively check for and stop potential user harms, with fines of up to A$109 million ($75 million). It has passed the House of Representatives but needs crossbench support in the Senate to become law.
3. Platforms raise concerns
Google, Meta, TikTok and Snap representatives warned lawmakers the bill could give regulators too much discretion over harmful content. Google’s Australian executive said an age-check requirement related to pornography could force the company to block under-18s from Gmail. Inman Grant said a narrower definition of harmful content could make enforcement clearer; the government wants the bill passed by year-end.
