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Australia was among the first countries to reign in the powers of Big Tech firms like Google and Facebook. The country's legislation requiring Google and Facebook to pay for news was hailed a model for others. Europe and a few other countries have since been trying to rein in Big Tech.
Australia has more plans. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a parliamentary inquiry into how the companies can further be reined in for what is abusive and other objectionable content on these platforms.
According to the government, the new inquiry would build help further strengthen the
proposed social media legislation to "unmask trolls." The first draft of the social media-related legislation is likely to be out soon for discussion.
"Big tech has big questions to answer. But we also want to hear from Australian parents, teachers, athletes, small businesses and more, about their experience, and what needs to change," said Morrison while announcing the inquiry. (https://www.itnews.com.au/news/australia-to-launch-inquiry-into-big-techs-behaviour-573373)
It is a good political move by Morrison as action against Big Tech on matters related to privacy and online behaviour has broad sanction from the citizens of the country. Several opinion polls have proved this. In fact, even the opposition may vote in favour of curbing the powers of online companies. (https://www.spectator.com.au/2021/11/big-tech-big-target-good-politics/)
Australia already has rules for access to content online for children. For instance, it has devised a "restricted access system" that will come into force according to which websites hosted in Australia will need to require users to declare they are 18 or older for adult content. An "age-verification roadmap" would be made mandatory by end of 2023 for all the companies sites, including social media ones. (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/30/what-is-the-australian-government-doing-to-crack-down-on-big-tech-and-why)
Read more:
What is Australia's "anti-troll" law?
https://theswaddle.com/can-australias-anti-trolling-law-that-targets-anonymity-really-help-users/