Australia is on a collision course with US big tech. Could it cause Trump to turn on his ‘mate’?
Anthony Albanese wants social media algorithms to be optional – and it’s not the first Musk-Zuckerberg irritant emanating from Australia
TL;DR
- Australia is introducing a 'digital duty of care' for social media platforms, mandating basic safety standards for online products.
- Users will have the option to opt-out of algorithms that funnel polarizing content and targeted advertising.
- The move is expected to be met with resistance from US tech giants and potentially President Trump.
- This initiative builds on previous Australian regulations, including a ban on social media for under-16s and a news bargaining code.
- Critics have labeled the proposed changes 'Orwellian' and compared them to China's censorship practices.
- The Australian government argues the changes empower users, while opponents fear a breach of free speech.