Democracy groups back Australia’s new digital duty of care legislation
More than a dozen democracy organisations have endorsed the Labor-backed digital duty of care bill, which aims to curb harmful online content and limit infinite scrolling.
A coalition of over a dozen democracy-focused NGOs has voiced support for the Labor government’s digital duty of care legislation, which seeks to protect minors from extremist, violent and otherwise harmful content on social media. The bill would also give users the option to disable infinite scrolling and shift authority over new online harms to parliament rather than the communications minister, a concession aimed at the Greens and coalition partners.
While the lower house is expected to approve the measure, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with the opposition pledged to oppose it. Advocacy leaders such as Tom Mooney and Peter Greste urged swift passage and suggested expanding the law to let individuals bring legal action against tech giants. The Greens’ backing is crucial for the bill’s final approval, and the eSafety Commissioner is already preparing enforcement actions against major platforms for age-verification breaches.
Why it matters
The bill could reshape how social media companies manage harmful content and protect Australian youth online.
How this story developed
- Oct 20 Independent MP Helen Haines seriously injured in alleged car assault in Victoria
- Oct 21 A magistrate denied bail and ordered Nugent detained pending a February hearing.
- Oct 21 Both of Haines' legs were amputated following the attack.
- Oct 22 More than $400,000 was donated to Save the Children Australia after the husband’s request.
- Oct 23 Attacker remains in custody awaiting trial.
- Oct 25 Parliament will halt its usual business on Monday to pay tribute to Haines.
- Oct 25 Parliament increased security across key areas and scheduled a motion to pause most of the agenda to allow MPs to voice support for Haines.
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