Communications Minister Downplays White House Warning Over Australia’s Online Safety Laws
The Albanese government is pushing ahead with a new digital duty of care that could expose platforms to penalties of up to $109.2 million.
Australia’s draft Online Safety Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 introduces potential fines of up to $109.2 million for tech platforms failing to meet safety standards. Communications Minister Anika Wells has downplayed a warning from the White House, which characterized these potential fines as “extortion.” White House spokesman Kush Desai conveyed President Donald Trump’s warning against imposing such measures on American tech companies.
- Australia’s draft Online Safety Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 proposes penalties up to $109.2 million for tech platforms.
- The White House has labeled these potential fines as “extortion.”
- Communications Minister Anika Wells has downplayed the White House’s warning.
Write a comment