Australia Ditches Misinformation Bill and Social Media Age Restrictions

Nov 23, 2024, 09:04 PM

The Australian government has decided to abandon its proposed legislation aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms. This decision comes after the bill, which would have imposed fines on internet platforms for failing to prevent the spread of misinformation, failed to secure sufficient cross-party support in the Senate. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland confirmed the withdrawal of the bill, stating that there was no feasible path to its passage. Critics, including Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, had voiced concerns over the bill's implications for free speech and its effectiveness in protecting young people online. This retreat marks a significant shift in the government's approach to regulating online content, especially following criticism from figures like Elon Musk, owner of X Corp., who criticized the proposed social media ban for children under 16, which included strict age verification measures.