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Australian Government To Put Pressure On Technology Companies Over Cyberbullying

Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications 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 globally recognized standards. If you are affected by cyberbullying or anything touched on within this article, follow the links to our various support services or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to start using Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant.

Australian Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher has called on technology companies to ‘step up’ efforts to curb cyberbullying and harmful material from being spread online. His comments followed the announcement of 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 sectors actions and community expectations.

Draft proposals for a new Online Safety Act include removal of harmful content within 24hrs, 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

Paul Fletcher MP 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 governments 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.

If you are affected by any kind of online negativity, we can help you. Visit our Cyberbullying Help Center or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to open Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant. For further information about Cybersmile and the work we do, please explore the following suggestions:

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