Expert available to comment on Digital Duty of Care bill

Expert available to comment on Digital Duty of Care bill

The Federal government has announced its proposed Digital Duty of Care bill today that will include an option for Australians to opt out of social media algorithms. An RMIT expert is available to comment on the proposal and how to tackle gender-based digital harms.

Dr Caitlin McGrane, School of Media and Communication: 

"Across the community, we are all experiencing the negative consequences of algorithmic feeds that reward extremism and hatred as well as more insidious harms such as mis- and disinformation that create a climate of mistrust. 

"We all have a right to engage online safely and without fear. The government’s proposed Digital Duty of Care is intended to put the onus on big tech companies to create digital platforms and services where users can reasonably expect to be protected from harm. 

"While this proposed legislative change is significant, it should be reinforced with adequate regulatory mechanisms and transparency requirements.  

"Women and gender diverse people who have experienced some of the most significant consequences of online harms should be at the centre of the government’s decision-making on this issue."

Dr Caitlin McGrane is a research fellow in the School of Media and Communication and  on the board of Digital Rights Watch. Caitlin researches the everyday ways communities use technology. 

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

08 September 2026

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08 September 2026

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