Summary
Australia's internet watchdog has criticized companies like Google and Apple for not doing enough to stop child sex abuse on their platforms. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, pointed out that these companies haven't been effectively using tools to detect abuse or respond quickly to reports. While Google disputed the findings, the report raises concerns about online safety and privacy.
Key Facts
- The eSafety Commissioner in Australia released a report accusing tech companies of not adequately addressing child sex abuse online.
- Companies like Google and Apple have been criticized for not using available tools to prevent and respond to abuse.
- The report highlights the absence of measures like scanning cloud services and using language analysis tools.
- Google argues that they remove over 99% of abuse materials on YouTube automatically.
- The report suggests that companies aren't making child protection a priority and have not improved despite being asked to do so three years ago.
- Tom Sulston from Digital Rights Watch voiced concerns about privacy issues related to suggested measures, like breaking encryption.
- Breaking encryption could lead to risks such as surveillance by hostile actors and invasion of privacy.
- Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Snap, and Discord have not commented on the report.
