Trump administration to confront Australia over Labor’s social media algorithm plan

9 September 2026 at 07:51

White House warns trading partners against ‘imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other forms of extortion’ on US tech sector

The Trump administration will confront Australia over its plan to force digital platforms to take down harmful content and let users opt out of algorithm-generated “for you” feeds.

Big tech companies would be fined more than $100m for breaching the proposed laws and the Australian government is under pressure to raise those fines even further.

Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if

The Guardian - Technology

By: Josh Taylor

8 September 2026 at 07:23

Even if the legislation passes, tech companies may still find ways to frustrate its intent and keep Australians hooked on their feed

Social media could become a “choose your own adventure” between the doom-scrolling status quo, or just the feed of the friends you want to see, if the government’s planned digital duty of care legislation passes, and the tech companies don’t muck around on compliance.

But that’s a big if.

Australia’s new environmental protection agency approves coal project, angering climate groups

The Guardian - Energy

By: Graham Readfearn

3 September 2026 at 03:23

Queensland open-cut Saraji mine will be able to keep digging until 2055 as Anthony Albanese denies tensions with Pacific leaders over fossil fuels

Australia’s new national agency for environmental protection has approved its first coal project, allowing a Queensland open-cut mine to keep digging until 2055 while clearing threatened woodland and koala habitat.

The confirmation of the extension of the Saraji mine, which digs and exports coal for steel making, comes after the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, denied this week there was tension over Australia’s fossil fuel exports during talks with Pacific leaders.

No special carve-out for states using fossil fuel to power datacentres, Chris Bowen insists, despite new conditions

The Guardian - Energy

By: Tom McIlroy Political editor

28 August 2026 at 05:17

Energy minister says states can apply to use coal and gas supply to power datacentres but must prove it is cheaper than renewables

Chris Bowen insists federal Labor’s new national laws on datacentre power supply will not include carve-outs for Queensland and the Northern Territory, with states that are eager to use coal and gas required to make their case to the national regulator.

The energy minister told Guardian Australia on Friday the only concession agreed at Wednesday’s meeting of national cabinet was that existing coal and gas supply could be used on the condition it could be shown to be cheaper than renewables.

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