US criticises Australia's proposed algorithm opt-out laws as 'censorship'
3 hours ago
- The US criticizes Australia's proposed algorithm opt-out laws as censorship of protected speech.
- Australia's draft digital duty of care laws require tech firms to let users turn off algorithms to prevent harmful content, with hefty fines for non-compliance.
- The US embassy in Canberra expresses serious concerns over vague definitions of 'harm' that could lead to viewpoint-based censorship and affect global users.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defends the legislation as giving control back to individuals, not the government.
- The US warns the laws may reduce the reach of independent journalists and minority viewpoints, and harm Australia's innovation reputation.
- The criticism coincides with Albanese's visit to the UN, while US President Trump rejects AI guardrails in his UN speech.
- Australia's move follows its social media ban for children under 16 introduced last December.