**Title: Big Tech Platforms Accused of Inaction in Combating Online Harm**
**Introduction**
In an opinion piece published in The Australian newspaper, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant criticized major tech companies, including Meta, X, Apple, Microsoft, TikTok, Snap, and Google, for their inadequate efforts in addressing the spread of objectionable content online. Grant highlighted the lack of utilization of available tools and technologies to detect child sexual exploitation and abuse material, as well as the absence of effective barriers to prevent banned users from creating new accounts. She also expressed disappointment over the absence of tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft at a recent U.S. Senate hearing featuring Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X CEO Linda Yaccarino.
**Insufficient Action by Big Tech**
Grant emphasized that many tech companies offered mere apologies and platitudes without demonstrating a concrete commitment to immediate action in protecting children. She noted that several CEOs pushed back on supporting proposed U.S. child protection legislation during the hearing, leaving senators frustrated. Grant revealed that it took six years for the Australian government to pass the Online Safety Act, granting the eSafety commissioner the power to collect information compulsorily, after facing numerous obstacles from the platforms.
**Failure to Comply and Consequences**
Grant expressed disappointment in Google and X for not fully complying with the notices sent by her office, particularly regarding crimes against children. As a result, she issued a formal warning to Google and imposed a fine of $610,500 on X for its noncompliance. The commissioner has initiated civil proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia as X has yet to pay the fine. Grant highlighted that despite X Corp establishing a new Trust and Safety Centre of Excellence with 100 content moderators focused on child protection, the company had previously laid off over 2,000 trust and safety staff following its acquisition by Elon Musk.
**The Urgency for Action**
Grant stressed that the alarming increase in online child sexual exploitation cannot be ignored, and it is crucial for tech executives to confront this issue. While Australia is committed to holding the tech industry accountable through the Online Safety Act, Grant emphasized the need for tangible changes to be made in the United States, where most major platforms are headquartered. She called for continued pressure on tech companies to prioritize the protection of children, as the cost of inaction is too high.
**Conclusion**
The eSafety Commissioner’s accusations against Meta, X, and other social media platforms highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to combat online harm. The article emphasizes the importance of immediate action, collaboration with authorities, and the implementation of effective tools and technologies to protect vulnerable users, particularly children.
