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Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australia, has launched a fierce attack on social media platforms, accusing them of eroding social cohesion and fuelling harm across communities. Speaking at the Melbourne Press Club, he described them as \u201cthe true monsters at our gates,\u201d blaming their algorithms for spreading misinformation and leading vulnerable users into destructive \u201crabbit holes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The speech underscores a growing push from traditional media for stronger regulation of technology companies, as governments and publishers grapple with the power and influence of social platforms.
\nMiller said the toll on society \u2013 from children\u2019s mental health to isolation among the elderly \u2013 is worsening, with self-harm and loss of life linked to social media use. <\/p>\n
He contrasted the strict accountability faced by telecommunications firms, such as Optus after its triple zero outage, with what he called the \u201cfree pass\u201d given to tech platforms. \u201cHow can there be one set of rules for a company like Optus, while the tech companies just refuse our rules?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A key theme of his remarks was what he termed the \u201csecond big steal\u201d \u2013 the use of media content by technology firms without compensation. Miller accused social platforms and artificial intelligence companies of \u201clegitimising theft\u201d through practices such as text and data mining. He rejected arguments that copyright exemptions are needed to attract data-centre investment, calling them \u201cwithout foundation and without evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miller reiterated his support for a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, a policy News Corp has advocated and which is due to begin in December. He framed it as part of a broader duty to protect young people from \u201charmful digital environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also urged rival publishers to set aside competitive differences and present a united front against the global tech giants, warning that the survival of professional journalism depends on collective action.<\/p>\n
Miller\u2019s stance echoes comments from News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson, who has warned that AI poses a major threat to creativity and intellectual property. Thomson has been negotiating with AI firms to ensure content is licensed rather than scraped, dismissing much of what AI ingests as \u201cdigital dross.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miller further argued that platforms such as Meta, X and TikTok should operate under a legislated \u201csocial licence\u201d or face bans from Australia. He called for mandatory contributions to mental health programs and compliance with competition rules. On fears of US retaliation against Australia\u2019s regulatory measures, Miller said simply that companies operating in the country \u201cmust comply with Australian laws.\u201d<\/p>\n