As the world braces for a new era of American leadership under President-elect Donald Trump, Australia is charting its own course on the crucial issues of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media regulation. In a strong signal of the country’s priorities, Industry Minister Ed Husic has affirmed that the government will push forward with its regulatory agenda, even in the face of potential opposition from the incoming US administration.
A Firm Stance on AI and Social Media
Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Minister Husic emphasized Australia’s commitment to developing “guardrails” for high-risk applications of AI, drawing comparisons to the European Union’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act. This proactive approach stands in stark contrast to the deregulatory agenda championed by Trump, who has vowed to repeal President Biden’s executive order on AI.
The US may adopt in time a different approach to what the Biden administration had undertaken – we’ll wait and see and let that play out. But there are a lot of other countries that are thinking deeply about this and acting on it.
– Ed Husic, Australian Industry Minister
Husic stressed that while Australia will seek to harmonize its policies with like-minded nations where possible, the government will ultimately “do what we have to do” to safeguard the public interest. This steadfast position extends to the regulation of social media, where the Albanese government has introduced legislation empowering the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to compel platforms to address misinformation and disinformation.
Resisting Pressure from Tech Titans
The regulatory push comes amid growing influence from tech billionaires like Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), who has been a vocal critic of government oversight. Musk’s ties to the Trump administration, including the newly-minted Vice President JD Vance, have raised concerns that Australia could face pressure to roll back its social media regulations.
However, Minister Husic remained resolute, stating: “We take our responsibility to the Australian people seriously. I think people here want us to be able to deal with issues in a way that reflects our national priorities. And so I think you’ll see we continue to do what we have to do.”
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
The debate over AI and social media regulation cuts to the heart of a fundamental tension: how to foster innovation while protecting citizens from potential harms. Proponents argue that a light-touch approach is necessary to maintain competitiveness and avoid stifling progress. Critics, however, point to the growing body of evidence linking unregulated AI and social media to a host of societal ills, from the spread of conspiracy theories to the erosion of privacy rights.
We have a job we’ve said we’ll do for the public, and there’s an expectation … we will continue to do that, and we will. We will take the steps necessary so people have the confidence to use it [AI].
– Ed Husic, Australian Industry Minister
For Australia, the path forward appears to be one of cautious engagement, working with international partners to develop common standards while asserting the right to chart its own course when necessary. As the global landscape shifts and new powers rise, this balanced approach may prove to be a model for other nations grappling with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
The Road Ahead
As the Trump administration takes shape and the battle lines over tech policy are drawn, Australia’s stance offers a glimpse of the complex dynamics that will define the years to come. With national interests, corporate agendas, and the public good all in play, the outcome is far from certain.
Yet one thing seems clear: in an increasingly interconnected world, no country can afford to go it alone. Whether through cooperation or competition, the decisions made in Canberra, Washington, and Silicon Valley will ripple across borders and shape the lives of billions. As we navigate this uncharted territory, a commitment to dialogue, transparency, and the rule of law will be essential to ensuring that the benefits of these transformative technologies are shared by all.
