What are the key failings of tech companies in protecting children, according to Australia's eSafety regulator?

Tech companies have failed to deploy language analysis tools for child sexual extortion and have not adequately detected live abuse during video calls or new child exploitation material on their platforms.

Which tech companies were criticized by Australia's eSafety Commissioner?

The eSafety Commissioner criticized major tech companies including Meta Platforms Inc., Apple Inc., Google, Microsoft Corp., and Snap Inc. for their shortcomings in combating child exploitation.

What specific tools are tech companies failing to use to protect children online?

Companies are failing to use tools for detecting live child sexual exploitation and abuse during video calls, as well as language analysis tools to identify sexual extortion of children.

Home / Crime and Justice / Tech Giants Slammed for Failing Aussie Kids

Tech Giants Slammed for Failing Aussie Kids

5 Feb

•

Summary

Companies failed to use tools for live abuse detection.
Language analysis for extortion of kids was not deployed.
eSafety Commissioner expressed disappointment over slow progress.

Tech Giants Slammed for Failing Aussie Kids

Australia's online safety regulator has issued a stern rebuke to leading technology firms, including Meta, Apple, and Google, for their insufficient efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse on their platforms. The eSafety Commissioner highlighted critical shortcomings, such as the failure to employ tools for detecting live abuse during video calls and insufficient measures for identifying newly created exploitative material.

The regulator specifically criticized the absence of language analysis tools designed to identify the sexual extortion of Australian children, a deficiency that persists even after companies received guidance on common online indicators. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that it is "unbelievable" these tools have not been deployed, given the extensive engagement on these critical issues.