The Australian government has abandoned its proposed 'Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill' after failing to secure sufficient support in the Senate. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland confirmed that the legislation, which would have allowed media watchdogs to monitor and fine digital platforms up to 5% of their global revenue for spreading false or misleading information online, will not proceed due to significant opposition from non-Labor senators, including the Liberals and Greens. Critics raised concerns about the bill's potential impact on free speech, with some describing it as resembling censorship more suited to a totalitarian regime than a democracy. Free speech advocates and journalists hailed the decision as a victory for freedom of expression following massive public pushback.
