SYDNEY—Australia said on Sunday that it would introduce legislation to make social-media companies liable for defamatory comments published on their platforms, in a move that risks exposing tech companies to future lawsuits.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the legislation also aims to unmask people who make hurtful comments online by requiring companies such as Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook to disclose their details, such as an email address or cellphone number, when a complaint is made.