The Australian government has decided to drop its proposed laws aimed at forcing social media companies to regulate misinformation and disinformation on their platforms. This move comes after facing significant opposition in the Senate.
On Sunday, Michelle Rowland, the Minister for Communications, announced that the government would not proceed with the legislation. The proposed laws would have empowered the Australian Communications and Media Authority to fine social media companies that failed to monitor and control false information across their networks.
However, without enough support in the Senate—opposition from the coalition, the Greens, and several independent senators—the governing Labor Party was unable to secure the necessary votes to pass the bill.
This development occurs just before the final parliamentary sitting week of 2023. Interestingly, the government is now fast-tracking another groundbreaking bill: a plan to ban under-16s from using social media. Parliament is expected to pass this new legislation on Wednesday or Thursday.
The decision to abandon the misinformation laws raises questions about how governments should handle false information online while balancing free speech and regulation. Meanwhile, the proposed social media ban for under-16s could have significant implications for young people and their use of online platforms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
