February 16, 2025

GWS5000

Make Every Business

Australia Seeks to Make Social-Media Firms Liable for Users’ Defamatory Comments

SYDNEY—Australia said on Sunday that it would introduce legislation to make social-media companies liable for defamatory comments published on their platforms, in a move that risks exposing tech companies to future lawsuits.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the legislation also aims to unmask people who make hurtful comments online by requiring companies such as Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook to disclose their details, such as an email address or cellphone number, when a complaint is made.