Technology companies are being asked to increase their efforts to prevent cyberbullying and the spread of harmful material online. The Minister for Communications proposed new legislation that would put more pressure on companies to strengthen protection for their users. Mr. Fletcher also spoke of his concerns regarding the 'significant disconnect' between the sector's actions and community expectations.
Draft proposals for a new Online Safety Act include removal of harmful content within 24 hours, increased protection for children from cyberbullying, improved methods of detection and removal of online abuse, and reducing visibility of harmful content on search engines.
This act will put pressure on industry to prevent online harms and will introduce important new protections for Australians.
Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications
He commented on how international standards needed to be implemented for the internet in the same way that the global automotive industry has legislation for the implementation of standards that are recognized and adhered to by sovereign nations and manufacturers worldwide.
The Australian government will also be issuing an online safety charter detailing the government's expectations for internet companies and social media platforms, although it remains unclear as to how the government will be able to force international companies to adhere to the new act.
It is based on the premise that behaviour that is unacceptable offline should not be tolerated or enabled online, and that technology companies have a responsibility to mitigate and address any adverse impacts that are directly or indirectly associated with their products and services.
Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications
The proposed changes are aiming to bring together existing Australian online regulatory requirements under one single act. It is hoped that this will help in relation to online bullying and harmful content, but the government is still struggling to tackle the growing issue of fake news and misleading content being shared online and social media.