Professor Warns Australia’s Misinformation Bill an ‘Assault’ on the Internet and US

American author and professor, Michael Shellenberger, is travelling to Australia’s capital, Canberra, to stand against the Albanese Labor government’s Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. The legislation (pdf) provides the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with the power to fine social media companies for “misinformation and disinformation” on their platform. One concern is the threat of fines may encourage social media companies to actively censor or block a wider array of content to avoid falling afoul of these rules. The Bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives, has been widely criticised. In a post to X, Shellenberger said the “censorship” law could be seen on an assault on Australia’s top ally, the United States....