Internet giants oppose government plans for more cyber bullying laws and regulations
The digital industry’s biggest players have urged the government to revise a plan to introduce an internet watchdog, an eSafety commissioner, and create new laws against cyber bullying, arguing there are “serious practical concerns” about unnecessary bureaucracy created by the scheme.
The Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) has submitted a discussion paper, on behalf of Google, Facebook, Yahoo!7, Ebay, Microsoft and Twitter which calls on the government to reconsider the proposals arguing they have serious practical ramifications, including slowing down the time it takes to remove inappropriate content, and encouraging young people onto other social media platforms with less stringent rules against cyber bullying.
“What we are all trying trying to do is keep kids safe online,” said David Holmes, CEO of AIMIA. “The government should be applauded for their intent but we have been here before.
“Our view is a commissioner is fine. If that’s another person looking at the issue that’s ok, but having that person be the gatekeeper is a really bad idea.
It sounds like it’s all too hard. Why bother updating the law if it’s going to be outdated tomorrow, right? We’re probably better off just leaving things as they are, in the hands of industry. While we’re at it, let’s abolish the Liquor Laws and allow the liquor industry to self-regulate too. Then, when the legal drinking age drops to 12, we can chuckle at the kiddies who post selfies online. Maybe they were right (in the 1800’s) when they said children’s welfare was overrated…. Let’s not kid ourselves. What Google, Facebook, Yahoo!7, Ebay, Microsoft, Twitter, etc, fear is the possibility that Government intervention may adversely affect advertising revenues.