Australia targets social media giants over misinformation

Australia is stepping up its efforts to curb the spread of misinformation online with a new law that could see tech platforms fined up to 5% of their global revenue if they fail to prevent disseminating harmful content. The legislation, part of a broader crackdown on tech giants, aims to hold platforms accountable for falsehoods that threaten election integrity, public health, or critical infrastructure.

Under the proposed law, platforms must create codes of conduct detailing managing misinformation. A regulator must approve these codes, which can impose its standards and penalties if the platforms fail to comply. The government has emphasised the importance of addressing misinformation, warning of its risks to democracy and public safety. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stressed that inaction would allow the problem to worsen, making it clear that the stakes are high for society and the economy.

The new legislation has sparked debate, with free speech advocates raising concerns about government overreach. A previous version of the bill was criticised for giving too much power to regulators to define what constitutes misinformation. However, the revised proposal includes safeguards, ensuring that professional news, artistic, and religious content are protected while limiting the regulator’s ability to remove specific posts or user accounts.

Tech companies, including Meta and X, have expressed reservations about the law. Meta, which serves a significant portion of Australia’s population, has remained tight-lipped on the legislation, while industry group DIGI has raised questions about its implementation. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) has reduced its content moderation efforts, particularly following its acquisition by Elon Musk, adding another layer of complexity to the debate.

Australia’s stringent legal initiative is part of a global trend, with governments worldwide looking for ways to address the influence of tech platforms. As the country heads into an election year, leaders must ensure that foreign-controlled platforms do not undermine national sovereignty or disrupt the political landscape.