Australia’s tech rules could force big changes — Who pays the price?

Australia’s push for stronger online safety laws is putting the country at the centre of a growing global debate over how technology platforms should protect younger users.

Dr Karen Sutherland from the University of the Sunshine Coast says Australia’s under 16s social media ban is already attracting international attention, with other countries considering similar measures.

However, stronger regulation could create tensions with technology companies.

If platforms resist Australia’s rules, some could reconsider their presence in the Australian market, potentially affecting users, businesses and the wider technology industry.

The negotiations could have implications well beyond Australia, with the outcome potentially providing a model for how governments regulate major technology platforms and online safety in the future.