Australian Greens seek right to sue platforms over online harm

The Australian Greens want individuals to be able to seek compensation from technology platforms under proposed digital duty of care legislation.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said enforcement should not be left to the eSafety commissioner alone. She argued that harmed users and communities should have a route to take legal action themselves.

The demand comes ahead of the government's expected introduction of the bill during the parliamentary week beginning October 12. The Greens also want stronger restrictions on addictive algorithms and fines calculated as a share of companies' global revenue.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the government draft would allow the regulator to seek fines of up to A$109.2 million. Hanson-Young argued that a fixed ceiling was insufficient for major platforms.

The proposal includes protections for users under 18 against harmful content. It would also allow users to opt out of algorithmic recommendations and receive a chronological feed from accounts they follow.

The Coalition and One Nation oppose the bill, potentially leaving the government to negotiate with the Greens. Opposition spokeswoman Sarah Henderson described the proposed rules as dangerous and undemocratic. The private right of action remains a party demand, rather than an enacted entitlement.