Big tech put on notice after explosive Facebok whistleblower testimony

The government has put digital giants on notice just hours after a Facebook whistleblower warned the company put “astronomical profits” before people.

A further crackdown of digital giants could be on the cards for the government as it seeks to wrestle its digital sovereignty back from major tech companies.

Addressing the National Press Club on Wednesday, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher shot at digital disruptors, warning regulation was coming.

He cited the success of the news media bargaining code as proof that internet companies such as Facebook and Google, can accept the rule of law in the country they operate in.

“I accept that governments need to think carefully about how to design regulation in this new world. But that does not mean governments cannot or should not regulate,” he said.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has put the digital giants on notice. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

“Governments should not give up their sovereignty. Yes, the digital behemoths will make all kinds of claims and threats when you impose the normal laws that apply to other businesses in your jurisdiction upon them.

“But ultimately, as our experience with the News Media Bargaining Code has shown, the global digital giants will accept the rule of law if they are doing business in Australia.”

While governments all over the world are attempting to regulate big tech, companies insist they can regulate themselves.

But with the rise of revenge porn, trolls and the impact digital platforms are having on traditional markets, Mr Fletcher argued governments should look to managing the risk.

“I believe strongly that the positives of the internet and technological change greatly exceed the negatives,” he said.

“I believe we can identify and manage the risks posed by the internet; and at the same time governments should have a focus on how to take advantage of all the internet can do, to deliver better lives for citizens.”

The whistleblower who shared a trove of Facebook documents alleging the social media giant knew its products were fuelling hate and (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP)

Mr Fletcher’s address came just hours after a powerful address to the US Congress by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

In her statement, the former Facebook data scientist said the company knew it steered young people toward damaging content and refused to make necessary changes to make its product safer.

“Facebook‘s products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy,” Ms Haugen said.

“The company's leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer but won’t make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people.

“Congressional action is needed. They won't solve this crisis without your help.”