After months of delay and failure of the Government to act on a Digital Duty of Care, the Greens will introduce new laws to keep all users safe online. The "Fix our Feeds" bill will be introduced into the Senate next week.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:
"This verdict confirms what we've known for years: social media platforms are deliberately designed to keep people hooked, just like cigarettes or pokie machines.
"These multi-billion dollar companies are making massive profits off a product that is deliberately designed to be addictive, even when it's harmful.
"Big tech is the new big tobacco - an industry that makes its profits off selling addictive, toxic and harmful products.
"Despite promising 18 months ago to implement a Digital Duty of Care - a law that requires social media companies not to cause harm to their users - the Government has done nothing and is still sitting on its hands.
"Toxic algorithms flood our social media feeds day after day. It's time to give Australians the power to control what we see in our feeds. Every user should have the freedom to choose what type of content they want to see and to opt out of toxic algorithms.
"Right now, big tech giants are allowed to set their own rules. There is no requirement forcing these companies to make their platforms safe to use, even when they know they are doing harm.
"A Digital Duty of Care would force big tech giants to prevent harm before it happens - not just apologise after the damage is done.
"The Greens will introduce new laws that will help keep everyone safe online because the Government has refused to act.
"The Greens Fix our Feeds Bill will allow users to opt in or out of predatory algorithms, giving them a safer online experience.
"Social media apps shouldn't be able to rig their algorithms to force dangerous content on users for the sake of making mega profits."
