US repeatedly raised concerns about Australian social media reforms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

The United States has repeatedly raised concerns about Australia's proposed Digital Duty of Care social media reforms, Australia's Trade Minister says.

Australia's Trade Minister Don Farrell has revealed that US officials repeatedly raised concerns about the government's proposed Digital Duty of Care social media reforms during meetings with US trade representative Jamieson Greer.

In a September statement, the US Embassy in Australia expressed 'serious concerns' about the reforms, citing 'vague definitions' of harm that could become 'a mechanism for viewpoint-based censorship'. The statement represented an intervention in Australian domestic politics at a sensitive time, with the reforms facing opposition from both the Coalition and the Greens and set to be sent to the Senate for inquiry.

Mr Farrell said Australia does not believe the reforms breach its free trade agreement with the US. 'We have a difference of opinion,' he said on ABC. 'But it is the job of the Australian government to protect Australian citizens. There is a lot of terrible stuff out there on social media.' He denied any particular trade threat had been made. Farrell will meet with the new US ambassador to Australia, David Brat, hours before Labor introduces the reforms.

How it is being reported

• US trade tsar repeatedly raised social media reforms, Trade Minister revealsPlans to massively reform what Australians see online have become a repeated item of discussion for the US, the Trade Minister has revealed.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 08:06
• US trade tsar repeatedly raised social media reforms, Trade Minister revealsPlans to massively reform what Australians see online have become a repeated item of discussion for the US, the Trade Minister has revealed.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 08:05

In this story: Don Farrell · David Brat · Jamieson Greer · Anika Wells · United States · Australia

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