US Opposes Australian Digital Duty of Care Law

The Australian government's proposed digital duty of care legislation faces formal opposition from the United States administration. US officials characterize the regulatory framework as a risk for viewpoint-based censorship and requested exemptions for American technology platforms.

US Raises Censorship Concerns Prime Minister Anthony Albanese maintains the legislation aims to provide users with greater control over digital content, not government oversight. Albanese indicated he would "stand up for Australia's national interest," asserting the policy aligns with national priorities despite international pressure. The US administration's warning ahead of a meeting between Albanese and President Trump at the UN General Assembly highlighted concerns. It argued the digital duty of care laws risked becoming "viewpoint-based censorship" and sought exemptions for US-based platforms. Domestic Political Implications

The Australian

This diplomatic friction offers political leverage to Australia's domestic opposition, which argues the proposed laws grant excessive regulatory authority to the government. The Liberal-National Coalition opposes the duty of care laws, claiming they would centralize too much power over online content with the government.

The dispute underscores a growing divergence between Australia's digital safety mandates and US perspectives on protected speech and platform regulation. Both leaders were expected to engage at a reception hosted by President Trump following the General Assembly.