Social media showdown
The Albanese government has a doctrine on regulating the online world: set the rules, and fine social media giants for not complying. That approach is facing backlash.
Anthony Albanese’s ban on children under 16 using social media is likely to breeze through Parliament in the coming weeks with the backing of both major parties.
But the prime minister’s attempts to ban misinformation on social media is hitting stronger headwinds, with the Coalition opposed and a number of crossbenchers sceptical.
The bill is part of Labor’s broader doctrine on regulating the online world: set new rules, then threaten social media giants with fines for not enforcing them.
That approach has already hit hurdles.
In May, eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant dropped attempts to force X — formerly Twitter — to remove footage of a Sydney stabbing, which the social media platform's owner Elon Musk successfully opposed in court. He described Inman Grant’s backdown as a victory for free speech over censorship.
