SYDNEY, Oct 16 – As the digital age continues to progress, concerns over online safety remain paramount, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Elon Musk’s social media company, X, formerly known as Twitter, has come under fire in Australia for alleged lapses in child safety measures.
eSafety Commissioner’s Verdict
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner of Australia, levied a fine of A$610,500 on X. The critique wasn’t just about the fine; it was a firm call-out against what she termed “empty talk”. Coming from a former Twitter employee, this is significant.
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The commissioner’s decisive move highlights a broader issue faced by many countries in the Asia-Pacific: ensuring that tech giants maintain user safety, especially for the vulnerable younger demographic.
Diminishing Vigilance Post-Takeover?
Since Musk’s acquisition of X, the company has seen a drastic workforce reduction of over 80%, affecting content moderators – the very people tasked with filtering and removing inappropriate content. Following these changes, Inman Grant pointed out a notable drop in the proactive detection rates of child exploitation material, down from 90% to 75% within three months.
While X asserts that child protection is their topmost priority, the eSafety commissioner’s message is clear – words alone are not enough; action is necessary.
Google Also On The Radar
This spotlight isn’t just on X. Google, another tech behemoth, has been served a formal warning concerning its approach to handling child abuse material. The underlying message is that being a tech giant doesn’t absolve one from the responsibility of ensuring user safety.
Both companies, X and Google, according to Inman Grant, have provided lacklustre responses. The reasons? Potentially a worry over public image or perhaps even a technological shortfall.
Australia’s Stance On Digital Safety
Australia stands at the forefront of the push to regulate online platforms, holding them accountable. This isn’t the first time X or Musk has faced scrutiny in the country. Earlier in June, Inman Grant voiced concerns over increased online “toxicity and hate” post Musk’s takeover of the platform.
Companies Respond
When approached for comments, X’s response was succinct, hinting at their busy schedules, while Google emphasized their commitment to using technology to keep users safe, stressing collaboration with the eSafety commissioner and other bodies for a safer online Australian community.
