Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Amid growing concerns about child safety online, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has taken action against major tech companies, including Google and Elon Musk’s “X.”
Google received an official warning, while X, formerly known as Twitter, faces a $610,500 fine. These measures stem from the companies’ failure to comply in detailing their methods for combating child sexual exploitation on their platforms. This regulatory step followed an initial notice requiring responses within 35 days, highlighting the seriousness of child safety issues online.
Commissioner Julie Inman Grant pointed out X’s non-compliance, stating the platform had left “some sections entirely blank and providing incomplete or inaccurate responses to others.” Specifics about response times to exploitation reports and utilized detection technologies were absent.
While Google avoided fines, its generic and non-specific responses earned a formal reprimand, underscoring expectations for tech leaders to safeguard users. Despite this, Lucinda Longcroft, representing Google, assured their commitment to robust safety measures and ongoing cooperation with regulatory bodies.