Protection from Government propaganda?

 Attempts to prevent the spread of false information are long overdue. However the Australian Government’s Bill should only be supported if if it covers all the deceptive propaganda spewed out by Government. We all remember the nonsense peddled by Ministers and bureaucrats over Covid 19 and The Voice referendum – all designed to panic the community and force compliance with the official line.

The Government says that itsCommunications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 aims to reduce the spread of seriously harmful misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms.

  • However, it is unclear if the Bill will operate in a manner compatible with Australia’s international human rights obligations related to freedom of expression. The definitions of misinformation and disinformation are not clear and create uncertainty.

    The Bill introduces transparency requirements for certain digital communications platforms related to misinformation and disinformation. This includes a complaints processes.

    The Bill provides the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with new powers to create digital platform rules requiring digital communication platforms to report and keep records on certain matters related to misinformation and disinformation.

It has been referred to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry, with a reporting date of 25 November 2024. At the last minute, the Government has realised that its proposal is dead in the water and has now withdrawn the Bill. No doubt it will try to sneak something else through to limit our rights.

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