Australian law could force Facebook, Google to strip content

The Online Safety Bill will also require Internet-service companies to provide identity and contract information about abusers on their platforms. Developed in response to the livestreamed terrorist attacks in New Zealand in 2019, the bill gives the nation’s eSafety Commissioner powers to rapidly block websites. — Dreamstime/TNS

Australia’s government has passed legislation to reduce cyber abuse, allowing it to force social media platforms such as Facebook Inc and Google to remove harmful material within 24 hours or be fined as much as Aus$415,000 (RM1.30mil).

The Online Safety Bill will also require Internet-service companies to provide identity and contract information about abusers on their platforms. Developed in response to the livestreamed terrorist attacks in New Zealand in 2019, the bill gives the nation’s eSafety Commissioner powers to rapidly block websites.