PHAustralia's internet regulator, eSafety, has criticized major tech companies like Apple, Meta, and Google for significant gaps in addressing child sexual abuse and online sexual extortion. The regulator claims these platforms fail to utilize existing technologies to detect known coercion scripts used by predators. eSafety has repeatedly provided evidence and guidance but has not seen adequate action from the companies. This follows new legislation granting eSafety more authority to hold tech firms accountable for non-compliance with a social media ban for users under 16. Australia is the first country to implement such a ban, with others like the UK and several European nations considering similar measures. The report highlights rising concerns about child safety on chat and gaming platforms, with over 2,000 complaints related to sexual extortion reported between July and December 2025.
Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from eSafety, an Australian government agency, regarding the shortcomings of major tech companies in protecting children online. While the issue of child sexual abuse is highly politicized, the article does not overtly frame the issue in a left or right-leaning manner.
