The Greens have called on the PM and Communications Minister to outline their plan for holding the tech giants to account and creating safer online environments for all, following Meta's announcement it will withdraw 40k fact checkers.
Greens Acting Leader and Spokesperson for Communications Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
"The Albanese Government has failed to rein in the power of the big tech platforms. Trolling, abuse, lies and mis truths were already rampant on social media and will now be in free fall.
"The Government had an opportunity to create a safer online space for all of us by tackling the dangerous algorithms and business practices that fuel outrage and hate on social media. Instead, they just banned young people which does nothing to address the root of the problem.
"Since Meta's announcement the Communications Minister has pointed to public interest journalism as the solution. But when you have the Murdoch Media pedalling mis and disinformation dressed up as news, it's no better than the platforms of the billionaire tech bros.
"Whether it's X or Facebook, or Sky News on YouTube, the Albanese Government needs tell Australians how it will stop the billionaires profiting off social discourse.
"With the Federal Election possibly just weeks away, Australians are about to be bombarded with lies and culture wars ignited by Peter Dutton and the nasty Liberal Party. Strong laws that hold the tech giants, Murdoch Media and political parties to account is needed now, before Dutton is able to roll out Trump's entire playbook."
