Key Points
- Australia has dropped plans to fine tech platforms up to 5% of global revenue for misinformation.
- The proposed bill faced resistance from the opposition coalition, the Greens, and crossbench senators.
- Around 80% of Australians wanted stronger measures to address misinformation.
- The decision comes amid preparations for a federal election, where misinformation remains a key concern.
The Australian government has abandoned plans to impose hefty fines on tech platforms for failing to curb the spread of misinformation online. On Sunday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced that the proposed bill, which could have fined platforms up to 5% of their global revenue, was dropped after facing resistance in the Senate.
The legislation was part of a broader regulatory effort to hold foreign-based tech companies accountable and protect Australia’s sovereignty. The move comes as Australia prepares for a federal election next year.
Rowland emphasized the bill’s potential impact in a statement, stating that it would have introduced “an unprecedented level of transparency” by requiring tech companies to minimize the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation. Public sentiment strongly supports addressing the issue, with approximately 80% of Australians expressing concerns about the proliferation of false information online.
However, the bill faced significant opposition from multiple political parties, including the Liberal-National coalition, the Australian Greens, and crossbench senators. This lack of support in the Senate ultimately led to the proposal’s withdrawal. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the bill as a “half-baked option,” arguing that it lacked adequate measures to address the complex issue of misinformation.
Industry group DIGI, representing major platforms like Meta, previously defended the existing voluntary anti-misinformation code, asserting that it already provided a framework to combat the spread of false information online.
The decision to shelve the bill reflects broader challenges in regulating tech giants and balancing free speech with misinformation controls. Australia has been at the forefront of tech regulation, passing laws requiring platforms to pay for news content and addressing online safety. However, the abandonment of this bill highlights the difficulties of achieving bipartisan agreement on such measures.
As the federal election approaches, misinformation remains a pressing issue for Australia. Lawmakers and industry leaders are debating the best approach to tackle the problem. The government now faces the task of finding alternative methods to address public concerns without overstepping legislative or political boundaries.
