Australia to Make Big Tech Liable for Citizens’ Online Safety

The Australian government plans to enact laws requiring big tech firms to protect its citizens online, the latest move by the center-left Labor administration to crack down on social media including through age limits and curbs on misinformation.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced the government’s plan for a legislated Digital Duty of Care in Australia on Wednesday night, saying it aligned with similar laws in the UK and European Union.

“It is now time for industry to show leadership, and for social media to recognize it has a social responsibility,” Rowland said in a speech in Sydney announcing the measures. ...