Australia plans minimum age for social media use, angering digital rights advocates
NBCSep 23
Australia to Fine Tech Companies That Platform 'Disinformation'
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Above: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at Question Time in the House of Representatives at Australian Parliament House on August 22, 2024 in Canberra, Australia. Image copyright: Tracey Nearmy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Australia is expected to pass a law that would fine tech companies up to 5% of their global revenue if they don't block misinformation and disinformation from spreading on their social media platforms.
According to the head of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), Michelle Rowland, content will be labeled mis- or disinformation only if it's "seriously harmful and verifiably false."
The Spin
Narrative A
The ACMA understands the delicate relationship between upholding free speech and tackling dangerous content. This why the tech companies, not the government, will be tasked with building their own content moderation systems, and why only verifiably false and harmful information about topics such as public health will be under its scope.
Narrative B
Australia has become so authoritarian that even establishment-friendly newspapers and political groups have come out against this bill. Neither the government nor tech companies can be trusted to define the truth, as mis- and disinformation have become buzzwords for wannabe tyrants to use against speech they don't like. Thankfully, the majority of Australians are becoming aware of this.
