The White House has warned Australia over draft laws that would force social media platforms to offer users a feed not built by an algorithm, placing the bill in the same category as digital services taxes and describing penalties on American technology companies as a form of extortion.
The Trump administration intends to raise the legislation with Canberra, the Guardian reported today.
Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, told Cyber Daily:
“President Trump has unequivocally warned trading partners against imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other forms of extortion on America’s leading technology sector”, adding that the administration remained committed to raising the issues with trading partners.
Anika Wells, the communications minister, said she had not received the concerns directly and would not accept the framing.
