News Corp Australia Executive Chairman Michael Miller is pushing for the Labor government to implement a “social licence” system that would require multinational social media companies to comply with Australian laws and regulations.
During a speech at the National Press Club of Australia on June 5, Mr. Miller criticized social media giants for operating in the country without adhering to local laws while reaping profits. He singled out companies like Meta, TikTok, and others for not following Australian regulations.
Highlighting the negative impact of social media on society, Mr. Miller referenced various studies showing high levels of misogyny and online harassment among young individuals. He also mentioned the proliferation of harmful content on social media platforms.
Mr. Miller proposed a “social licence” system that would require tech companies to obtain a license to operate in Australia. Under this system, companies would need to pay for the license and comply with a set of laws and regulations.
He suggested that the Australian government hold platforms accountable for the content they amplify and control, citing the need to address harmful online content. Mr. Miller also emphasized the importance of penalizing companies that violate the proposed regulations.
Additionally, the News Corp boss called for measures such as an effective consumer complaint handling system, an ex-ante competition framework, and penalties for companies that fail to comply with the rules. He argued that such requirements were necessary to ensure social media companies operate responsibly.
Mr. Miller’s proposal aligns with efforts to regulate the digital landscape and hold tech companies accountable for their actions. By introducing a social licence system, he aims to create a framework for ensuring that social media platforms operate within the bounds of Australian laws and regulations.
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