The Greens have signaled they will seek significant amendments to Labor’s proposed digital duty of care laws aimed at regulating social media platforms and other online services. As the government prepares to introduce the legislation in parliament this week, the Greens are demanding stronger enforcement mechanisms, including granting individuals the right to sue technology companies and obtain financial compensation for online harm.

Currently, the legislation empowers the eSafety commissioner to fine platforms up to AUD 100 million for failing to protect users. However, Greens communications spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young argued that fixed fines are insufficient to alter the behavior of major global tech corporations. She called for penalties to be calculated as a percentage of companies’ worldwide revenue to ensure a meaningful deterrent. Hanson-Young also emphasized the importance of enabling private legal actions, stating that relying solely on the eSafety commissioner’s enforcement would not be enough to ensure online safety.

The scope of the proposed laws covers a range of online content including pornography, eating disorder material, misogynistic content, glorification of crime and dangerous stunts, as well as abusive and bullying behavior. Platforms such as social media sites, online games, apps, and AI chatbots would be required to implement protections against these specific harms. Additionally, users over 16 would receive new options to disable algorithm-driven content feeds.

These negotiations mark the Greens’ first major engagement with Labor under new leader David Shoebridge, who has indicated a more assertive stance than his predecessor. Shoebridge is also expected to introduce legislation this week targeting the importation of potentially intrusive wearable technologies like so-called “pervert glasses.”

Labor is keen to advance its broader legislative agenda, including upcoming budget measures addressing tax treatment for trusts. Communications Minister Anika Wells, scheduled to speak at the National Press Club, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to imposing safety requirements on digital platforms. Wells stressed that despite 15 years passing, many companies have failed to voluntarily adopt safety-by-design principles, necessitating legislative intervention.

Opposition voices have raised concerns about the duty of care laws potentially curbing freedom of expression. Shadow communications spokesperson Sarah Henderson, speaking at a conservative conference, warned that protections for free speech are at risk, citing the importance of open debate and dissent in democratic society.

With the Coalition opposed to the digital duty of care framework, the Greens hold influential leverage to shape the final form of the legislation as it moves through parliament in the coming weeks.