The Australian government watchdog would possess various powers to compel companies in preventing misinformation
Proposed Australian laws could subject tech giants to substantial fines if they fail to address disinformation. The legislation aims to establish mandatory standards in the relatively unregulated sector. Platforms such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, TikTok, and podcasting services would potentially face penalties up to five percent of their annual global turnover, among the highest proposed globally. The Australian Communications and Media Authority, a government watchdog, would be empowered with various measures to compel companies to prevent the spread and monetization of misinformation or disinformation.
According to an AFP spokesperson, if approved, the legislation would grant the ACMA a variety of additional powers. These powers would include compelling information from digital platforms, implementing and enforcing mandatory industry codes, and establishing industry standards.
While the watchdog would lack the authority to remove or penalize individual posts, it would possess the ability to penalize platforms for their failure to monitor and combat intentionally deceptive, false, or misleading content that may result in significant harm.
The proposed rules in Australia would mirror legislation anticipated to be implemented in the European Union. In the EU, tech giants could potentially incur fines of up to six percent of their annual turnover and even face complete bans on operating within the bloc. Australia has been proactive in its endeavors to regulate digital platforms, leading to tech companies making largely unfulfilled threats to withdraw from the Australian market. The bill aims to enhance the existing voluntary Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation, which was introduced in 2021 but has had limited effectiveness thus far.
Prominent tech companies such as Adobe, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Redbubble, TikTok, and Twitter have all committed to the existing code.
The newly announced laws were introduced on Sunday, coinciding with a significant increase in misinformation circulating in Australia regarding an upcoming referendum on Indigenous rights.
Australian citizens will be presented with a question about whether the constitution should acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, as well as the establishment of an Indigenous consultative body to provide input on proposed legislation.
The Australian Electoral Commission has observed a surge in misinformation and online abuse related to the referendum process.
According to Election Commissioner Tom Rogers, the online comments have taken on an increasingly “aggressive” tone, as reported by local media on Thursday.
The government emphasizes that addressing disinformation is crucial for ensuring online safety and protecting the integrity of Australia’s democracy.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland stated on Sunday, “Misinformation and disinformation sow discord among the community, erode trust, and can pose risks to public health and safety.”
Interested parties have until August to provide their feedback on the proposed legislation.
