Under the influence

Since his inauguration as US president in January, Donald Trump’s influence has been felt in the domestic politics of nations around the world. In Australia, the Albanese government embarks on its second term in the wake of an election where the influence of Trump’s political populism was evident, despite being resoundingly rejected by Australian voters. But beyond its influence over political discourse, Trump’s aggressive support for the US technology industry is clearly shaping how other governments approach the regulation of this dynamic sector. Many are now second-guessing schemes – often years in the making – aimed at addressing the harms digital platforms and AI technologies pose to consumers, other businesses and civic processes.

In this edition, Monica looks at what is in store for new communications minister Anika Wells, who has been left with an active policy program by former minister and new attorney general Michelle Rowland. Key elements of that program are unresolved, including the proposed News Bargaining Incentive and the reforms to the Online Safety Act. Trump’s threats to impose tariffs in retaliation for tech regulation leave the Albanese government in a difficult position.

Alena focuses on Trump’s influence on Australian political discourse, reporting on a new CMT study she has led on how the Australian media responded to Trump-style populist narratives that emerged during the campaign, including Dutton’s invocation of ‘hate media’. Then, I examine how Trump's tech clientelism is influencing AI regulation – particularly over copyright – and how this is enabled, at least in part, by a felt need to foster domestic innovation.

While Australia’s policy direction remains somewhat uncertain, Europe is largely forging ahead with its regulatory program. In our latest podcast, Kieran talks to EU digital policy expert Ruairi Harrison about how new dispute-resolution processes under the EU’s Digital Services Act seek to balance freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.

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