Labor defends power to create fake online accounts for research

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

Labor says new laws allowing researchers to create false online identities will not enable the government to spread AI-generated lies.

Labor's proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation would allow researchers and regulators to create false online identities to test social media platforms' compliance with safety standards. Currently, researchers and the government's eSafety Commissioner must navigate legal obstacles to create undercover profiles. The new laws would also permit generating material using artificial intelligence, as long as it complies with existing laws.

Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the legislation on Thursday and rejected concerns that the power could be misused to spread AI-generated propaganda and manipulate public debate. 'That power, it's just not there,' she said at Canberra's National Press Club. She argued the provisions are designed to protect legitimate testers from legal threats by tech companies. 'Under the current Australian Online Safety Act, there are no protections for researchers to do this work without facing legal threats,' Ms Wells said. 'This is an unacceptable blocker, stifling Australian research and our ability to hold platforms to account.'

Ms Wells cited Australian researchers who had to base a study in Europe to protect themselves from legal action by big tech. Their examination of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube and Pinterest found the platforms were at best 'not good enough' at dealing with dangerous and disturbing content.

How it is being reported

• Labor defends power to deploy online 'sock puppets'New laws will not let the government deliberately disseminate lies for the purposes of testing social media platforms, Labor says.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 05:42
• Labor defends power to deploy online 'sock puppets'New laws will not let the government deliberately disseminate lies for the purposes of testing social media platforms, Labor says.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 05:42

In this story: Labor · Anika Wells · Australia · Facebook · Instagram · TikTok · YouTube

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