Trump Administration to Confront Australia over Labor’s Social Media Algorithm Plan
The White House called the penalties extortion and said the administration remains committed to raising the issue with trading partners.
- On Wednesday, the White House criticized Australia's proposed digital reforms, labeling potential $100 million fines for non-compliant tech companies as "extortion." The regulations would require platforms to offer users tools to opt out of algorithmic feeds.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor government proposed the digital duty of care reforms on Tuesday to enforce minimum standards and protect children from harmful content. The policy aims to give users genuine choice regarding what they see in their feeds.
- White House economics spokesman Kush Desai warned the administration opposes such fines as "extortion." Communications Minister Anika Wells rejected this characterization, stating the laws protect Australian families and that tech companies owe a digital duty of care to Australians.
- Tensions have escalated, marking the second American objection to Australian tech regulation in under a month. Prime Minister Albanese maintains his relationship with President Donald Trump is "very good" and plans to discuss reforms at the United Nations later in September.
- Australia remains committed to the policy despite trade threats, with officials asserting sovereign rights to regulate tech firms. While the United States has hinted at further responses, Australia sees no risk to the bilateral relationship.
11 Articles
11 Articles
White House warns Australia over social media algorithm rules carrying A$109M fines
The White House has warned Australia over draft laws that would force social media platforms to offer users a feed not built by an algorithm, placing the bill in the same category as digital services taxes and describing penalties on American technology companies as a form of extortion. The Trump administration intends to raise the […] This story continues at The Next Web
The US government has criticised Australia's new social media regulation plan, unveiled in Canberra on Tuesday. The proposal would require digital platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithmically personalised news feeds and would also impose stronger protections against online harm to children. The White House raised concerns about the fines imposed on big US tech companies less than 24 hours after the Australian announcement, while the pl…
Australia Sees No Threat to US Ties After White House Criticism of Social Media Reforms
Australia said on Wednesday it sees no risk to its relationship with the United States after reports that the Trump administration criticized Canberra's plans to target social media algorithms, which critics say would curtail free speech. On Tuesday Australia's center-left Labor government said social media users would be given the choice to opt out of algorithms under draft legislation, effectively allowing them to curate their own feeds. Soci…
AUSTRALIA has proposed legislation to allow users to opt out of social media algorithms. The Trump administration has criticized the plan, but Canberra insists it is in the national interest.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
