Australian laws has recently propose to address the failure of disinformation by establishing “mandatory” standards in the minimally regulated sector.
The legislation suggests that platforms such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, TikTok, and podcasting services could face penalties of up to five percent of their annual global turnover, one of the highest proposed penalties globally.
To combat the spread and monetization of misinformation or disinformation, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, a government watchdog, would be granted various powers. According to a spokesperson, “The legislation, if passed, would provide the ACMA with a range of new powers to compel information from digital platforms, register and enforce mandatory industry codes as well as make industry standards.”
While the watchdog would not have the authority to remove or penalize individual posts, it could hold platforms accountable for not monitoring and addressing intentionally deceptive content that may cause harm.
These regulations align with forthcoming legislation in the European Union, where tech giants could face fines up to six percent of their annual turnover and potential bans on operating within the bloc.
Australia has been proactive in regulating digital platforms, prompting tech firms to issue mostly unfulfilled threats of withdrawing from the Australian market.
The new bill aims to strengthen the current voluntary Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation, established in 2021 but with limited impact thus far. Major tech companies, including Adobe, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Redbubble, TikTok, and Twitter, have signed onto the existing code.
The proposed laws were introduced amidst a surge of misinformation in Australia surrounding an upcoming referendum on Indigenous rights. The referendum seeks public input on recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the constitution and establishing an Indigenous consultative body. The Australian Electoral Commission has observed an increase in online misinformation and abuse related to the referendum process, with online comments becoming notably aggressive, according to Election Commissioner Tom Rogers.
The government emphasizes the importance of addressing disinformation to ensure the safety of Australians in the online sphere and to protect the integrity of the country’s democracy. According to Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, “Mis and disinformation sows division within the community, undermines trust and can threaten public health and safety.”
