Misinformation Bill Back in Parliament: Critics Concerned Definition of ‘Harm’ Widened

Published on September 12, 2024

The Labor government has brought back the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill to Parliament after it was delayed in late 2023. The proposed law will provide the country’s media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), with the power to tackle “misinformation and disinformation” on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (pdf) was introduced to the House of Representatives on Sept. 12. Debate is currently adjourned and will resume at the next sitting of Parliament. What Did the Minister Say? Labor Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Bill was about “keeping Australians safe online” and gave ACMA power to hold digital platforms accountable....

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