Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has warned that Labor’s proposed Digital Duty of Care bill needs tighter rules to prevent technology platforms from exploiting gaps in the system.

Speaking to RN Breakfast, Hanson-Young argued that the draft framework does not provide enough certainty about how users will be able to choose whether algorithmically recommended content is used. She said unclear rules could leave room for platforms to manipulate how the system works.

“It’s neither opt-in nor opt-out,” Hanson-Young said, warning that major technology companies could spend heavily challenging the rules and looking for ways around them. She described that risk as “malicious compliance at best”.

The government’s proposal is intended to give Australians over 16 a choice between algorithmically recommended social media feeds and content from accounts they follow. The government says platforms would be required to respect that choice under the proposed Digital Duty of Care framework. Australian Government

Hanson-Young also criticised the proposed financial penalties, saying fines of up to $100 million would not be enough to deter the largest technology companies. She argued penalties should instead be linked to a company’s global revenue so that they have a stronger financial impact.

The Greens senator also rejected Coalition claims that the legislation amounts to censorship of free speech, saying Opposition Leader Angus Taylor was wrong. Her comments come as the government consults on the draft legislation and seeks support for its proposed approach to online safety and algorithmic choice.

Source: The Guardian