Social media has become a monster that torments our children. Michael Miller, president of News Corp Australia, speaks out against the omnipresent dangers of these platforms. *Victims of misinformation, our youth navigate treacherous paths, exposed to malicious algorithms.*
The responsibility of technology companies raises fundamental questions. Miller denounces the inconsistency of current laws, which seem to protect these giants from real consequences. *A call for media unity is necessary to defend essential values.*
The stakes of this issue go beyond the digital realm, affecting the very fabric of our society.
Social Media as a Societal Threat
Michael Miller, Executive Chairman of News Corp Australia, has identified social media as a real threat to global social cohesion. During an address at the Melbourne Press Club, he condemned misinformation and the dangers that these platforms pose to the most vulnerable. Miller reasoned about the harmful impact of algorithms on our children, highlighting that they are increasingly targeted and manipulated.
The Negative Impact on Youth
Miller expressed his concern about the radicalization of individuals, not on a large scale, but among specific people who adopt simplistic messages. He warned that this exposure to biased content contributes to a growing misinformation and the inability to perceive diverse perspectives. Young people, in particular, find themselves trapped in information bubbles that amplify their vulnerability.
The Role of Traditional Media
The president of News Corp advocated for a strengthened role of traditional media in combating the social ills caused by these platforms. “The role of the press should be to provide fact-based information,” he stated. According to him, the media sector must unite to prevent an erosion of its integrity and relevance.
Call for Regulation
Miller has called for more rigorous regulatory attention towards technology companies. He pointed out a disparity between the regulation of companies like Optus, which have recently been held accountable after a service outage, and the lack of accountability imposed on social media companies. “How can a company like Optus be subject to strict rules while the big tech companies escape all legislation?” he questioned.
On Copyright and AI
Miller also challenged the initiatives of technology companies aiming to modify Australian copyright legislation to allow artificial intelligence to use protected content without compensation. He described this drift as a legitimization of theft, insisting that the argument that it would attract massive investment is unfounded.
Consequences for the Sector
A conflict has arisen between traditional media and digital platforms. Miller emphasized that, compared to technology companies, media must align on a common strategy to protect their content. “We have a common fight,” he asserted, to preserve the value of information against the wave of content appropriation by digital giants.
Protecting Children
The implementation of a ban on social media for those under 16 is already underway. Miller reminded that this measure must be enforced when it takes effect in December. The president reiterated his commitment to protecting young users and hoped that this initiative would be successful.
International Reactions
Regarding the potential repercussions of Australian regulations on American companies, Miller stated that every entity must comply with the laws of the country in which it operates. Foreign companies operating in Australia must adhere to local laws without exception. This legal framework seems to be a largely ignored aspect by some players in the digital market.
For more information about the impact of AI in the media industry, check out this article on the legality of using AI-generated images. Additionally, analyses show that 96% of social media professionals integrate artificial intelligence into their strategy, a phenomenon reported here: study on the adoption of AI in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Michael Miller, the president of News Corp Australia, refer to social media as “monsters”?
Michael Miller states that social media contribute to social cohesion issues and promote misinformation, which particularly harms young users.
What impacts do social media have on children according to Michael Miller?
He emphasizes that social media algorithms can torment children by exposing them to harmful content and promoting self-destructive behaviors.
What measures does Michael Miller propose to protect children from the dangers of social media?
He calls for a strict ban on social media for those under 16, a measure that News Corp has supported.
How can the media combat the harmful influence of social media?
Miller suggests that the media should adopt a united stance to inform the public with fact-based content to counter misinformation prevalent on social platforms.
What role should the Australian government play in regulating social media?
Michael Miller urges the government to implement strict regulations for social media companies, ensuring similar responsibilities to those imposed on traditional communication companies.
Why is it important not to give away content for free to technology companies?
According to Miller, providing content without compensation legitimizes theft and threatens the economic viability of media companies.
What is the “second great theft” mentioned by Michael Miller?
He refers to the attempts by technology companies to access journalistic content without paying, following the first theft, which was the transfer of advertising revenue from media to social media.
How can the media regain public trust in the face of social media?
The media must focus on establishing credibility and providing verified information to distinguish themselves from the often misleading content on social media.
