Social media giants are a lawless "protected species" monetising misery and operating in Australia without restraint, according to Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australasia.
He called for tech giants Meta, TikTok and X, formerly Twitter, to be reined in from operating outside Australia’s legal system.
“It’s time to stop asking for change, and start demanding change,” he said in an address to the National Press Club.
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.
He called for a Social Licence, much in the same way mining companies pay to access minerals under Australian soils, adhere to Australian laws and negotiate with landowners.
The tech monopolies, who are mining Australian lives, should also be made to pay a licence, he said.
Under this license the Australian government would be able to make the platforms liable for all content that is amplified, curated and controlled by their algorithms or recommender engines.
The licence would require that each platform has an effective consumer complaints handling system, including call centres contactable by telephone with expert staff in Australia.
And competition regulator the ACCC would address the problem of monopolised digital advertising markets, including to block access to Australia if the tech giant refuse to play by the rules.
“We can't let ourselves be bullied,” Miller said
“News media is the canary in the coalmine and this current battle in my industry is part of a much larger struggle, a struggle that will encompass and impact more industries and more people,” Miller said.
“As a nation we must not blink now.”
The Joint Parliamentary Select Committee into the influence and impacts of Meta, TikTok and X on Australian society created a forum where issues can be aired, from the community harms to the commercial threats.
“The Australian Government has the mandate and ability to re-establish and reassert itself as the representatives and rule makers of Australia - by re-setting the rules for global platforms’ access to Australians,” Miller said.
“It’s time for them to play by our rules.”
Federal communications minister Michelle Rowland recently described the situation as being up against giant multinationals with more power, money and global influence than some nations.
“They have deep pockets. They are highly litigious. But that is no reason why they should not be subject to Australian law, and we should seek to enforce Australian law,” she said.
Miller said the issue was not only about social and legal issues but also human rights.
“We all have a right to feel safe and respected,” he said.
“Online violence, harassment and bullying, are human rights issues that profoundly affect the lives of Australians.
“When scammers steal $2.7 billion a year from vulnerable Australians, the loss is felt through the healthcare system, through social welfare and in additional pensions paid to people who have lost everything.
“Have no doubt, we will be paying the social and economic cost of this social media crisis for decades.
“It’s time to reset our digital environment to protect vulnerable people rather than prey on them.”
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