‘Manosphere’ podcasts and moon-landing conspiracy theories to remain online under new laws, Wells says
News Source
•Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:22:50 GMT
📰 What Happened
Australia's communications minister, Anika Wells, says new online safety laws will not stop free speech. The government introduced a digital duty of care bill into parliament on Thursday. Wells told the National Press Club that adults could still listen to manosphere podcasts, post their views about politics, or say the moon landing was fake. She said the rules target what platforms do, not what people say. The laws would require tech companies to provide a safe online environment and protect users from certain harmful content. Platforms could be fined more than $100m for breaking the rules.
🔍 The Backstory
The bill replaces a patchwork of online codes with one broad duty of care. It also includes a my feed my way rule, letting people opt out of algorithmic feeds. Wells said harmful content could include misogyny, pro-terror material, and content about suicide, self-harm or eating disorders. Conservative groups and politicians oppose the plan, calling it a Big Brother bill. One campaign has gathered nearly 75,000 signatures against it. The Greens broadly support it but want it made stronger.
🎯 Why It Matters
These laws would change how social media, games, apps and chatbots handle harmful content in Australia. How far they reach, and whether they curb free speech, is a debate that matters to everyone who uses the internet. The outcome will also test how much power regulators have over big tech companies.
Australia's communications minister, Anika Wells, says new online safety laws will not stop free speech. The government introduced a digital duty of care bill into parliament on Thursday. Wells told the National Press Club that adults could still listen to manosphere podcasts, post their views about politics, or say the moon landing was fake. She said the rules target what platforms do, not what people say. The laws would require tech companies to provide a safe online environment and protect users from certain harmful content. Platforms could be fined more than $100m for breaking the rules.
The bill replaces a patchwork of online codes with one broad duty of care. It also includes a my feed my way rule, letting people opt out of algorithmic feeds. Wells said harmful content could include misogyny, pro-terror material, and content about suicide, self-harm or eating disorders. Conservative groups and politicians oppose the plan, calling it a Big Brother bill. One campaign has gathered nearly 75,000 signatures against it. The Greens broadly support it but want it made stronger.
These laws would change how social media, games, apps and chatbots handle harmful content in Australia. How far they reach, and whether they curb free speech, is a debate that matters to everyone who uses the internet. The outcome will also test how much power regulators have over big tech companies.