Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has called "preposterous" an accusation that the social media giant doesn’t respect Australian laws.
Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australasia, in an address to the National Press Club, said tech giants Meta, TikTok and X, formerly Twitter, should be be reined in from operating outside Australia’s legal system.
The platforms know bad behaviour is good for business, that there’s profit in evil videos, from bullying, from online con artists and from glamorising eating disorders, he said.
Meta had no trouble walking away from a deal to pay for news but has a “big problem” turning off teenage fight clubs, the bullying of young women or scam advertising.
Meta released a statement.
"The suggestion that Meta doesn’t respect Australian laws or community standards is preposterous," said a spokesperson.
"We have worked closely with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner since it was established and frequently work with many local regulators.
"Over the years we’ve restricted access to content out of respect for Australian laws, responded to thousands of requests from Australian law enforcement and worked constructively with them to prevent real world harm.
"We’ve trained tens of thousands of young Australians in online safety, developed over 50 tools, features and resources to create safe, age-appropriate experiences, and have established a local Online Safety Advisory Group and a Combating Online Hate Advisory Group, consisting of Australian community organisations.
"And since we began operating in Australia 15 years ago we've driven significant economic activity for Australian communities and businesses of all sizes.
"We look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution in Australia by bringing people and communities together and creating opportunities for businesses to grow."
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