Australia Withdraws Misinformation Bill Labeled As "Censorship"

The Australian government has withdrawn a proposed bill that would have empowered a media watchdog to monitor digital platforms and mandate record-keeping regarding misinformation and disinformation, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced that the government could not secure the necessary support to pass the legislation. I Photo: Michelle Rowland X

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced that the government could not secure the necessary support to pass the legislation. Opposition spokesperson David Coleman criticized the bill, calling it “censorship laws in Australia” and a betrayal of democracy.

“Based on public statements and engagements with senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the Senate,” Rowland said.

The bill would have granted the Australian Communications and Media Authority the authority to enforce a code of conduct or establish standards for social media companies if self-regulation was deemed inadequate.

“This bill would have had the effect of suppressing the free speech of everyday Australians, as platforms would have censored online content to avoid the threat of large fines,” Coleman added in a statement.