The federal government will move to “put big tech under the microscope” by creating a new commission with broad powers to investigate the technology and conduct of social media companies.
of “Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on the Impact and Impact of Social Media on Australian Society”” aims to “increase transparency and hold social media companies accountable to the Australian public”.
Communications Minister Michel Rolland published draft (not comprehensive) terms of reference for the commission on Friday morning.
These call for an investigation into “the algorithms, recommendation systems and corporate decision-making of digital platforms that influence the way Australians view themselves, and the impact this has on their mental health.”
Additionally, the investigation could also target the prevalence of “fraud, age-restricted content, child abuse, and violent extremist content” on the platform. “Misinformation and disinformation on digital platforms.” and the specific issue of Meta's waiver of payments for news content.
“The government will consult the full parliament on the final terms of reference ahead of a referral to parliament expected next week,” Rowland said in a statement.
“Social media companies have a social responsibility. They need to be more responsible and more transparent.
“Establishing this inquiry will provide the opportunity and resources for legislators to scrutinize these companies and make recommendations on how we can hold these platforms accountable for their decisions. It will be provided.”
Treasurer Stephen Jones added: “The committee will put big technology companies under the microscope to help create a safer online environment.”
The commission's terms have some overlap with other initiatives, such as the ACCC's long-running Digital Platform Services Inquiry, which produced a number of reports into the technology underpinning social media platforms and their potential harm.
