Media Executive Calls for Regulation as Social Media Giants Stifle News Content

Michael Miller, the executive chair of News Corp Australasia, has called for a new legal regime to regulate social media giants like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Miller's concerns stem from recent actions by these platforms that limit news content and traffic to publications, which he argues is harming businesses, democracy, and individuals.

Social media platforms have recently implemented changes that restrict news content. Instagram now requires users to opt-in to political content, Facebook is sunsetting its news tab, and X has stopped displaying news headlines and links on posts. Additionally, Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, announced it would not renew its deals with Australian news publishers under the news media bargaining code.

Miller argues that tech giants, including Meta, TikTok, and X, operate outside the legal system and cause significant harm. He cites issues such as cyberbullying, revenge porn, and mental health concerns. To address these problems, Miller is advocating for the government to establish a social license for tech companies. This license would require companies to pay a fee and adhere to a series of laws and requirements.

Why this matters: The regulation of social media giants has significant implications for the future of news dissemination and the role of technology in shaping public discourse. If left unchecked, the stifling of news content could lead to a decline in informed citizenry and the erosion of democratic institutions.

The proposed social license would include liability for all content amplified, created, and controlled by their algorithms, the maintenance of an effective consumer complaints handling system, and contributions to mental health funding. Companies that refuse to comply would face penalties, and those that break the rules could face criminal sanctions.

Miller's call for regulation has been met with skepticism in light of News Corp's own controversial history. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has questioned News Corp's qualifications to address ethical issues, citing the company's involvement in scandals such as phone hacking and publishing false statements about voting machines used in the 2020 US election.

News Corp, which owns several major Australian newspapers and websites, has maintained that it abides by Australian law and meets its social obligations. Miller emphasized that no company should be too big to regulate, stating, *'If a company wants the right to access every part of our lives so it can profit from our habits and choices, there's a price to pay.'*

The debate over social media regulation comes amid growing concerns about the role of these platforms in spreading violent content. Recently, videos of a stabbing at a Western Sydney church circulated on X, highlighting the need for stricter oversight.

The Australian government's consideration of these proposals leaves the broader implications for other industries and individuals remaining to be seen. The news industry's experience with social media regulation may serve as a precedent for future actions against tech giants.

Key Takeaways

• News Corp's Michael Miller calls for social media regulation to protect news content and democracy.
• Social media platforms restrict news content, harming businesses and individuals.
• Miller proposes a "social license" for tech companies, requiring fees and adherence to laws.
• License would include liability for amplified content, consumer complaints handling, and mental health funding.
• Regulation could set a precedent for other industries and individuals, impacting tech giants.