Australia Wants To Fine Social Media Companies That Fail To Overcome Disinformation

Australian Minister of Communications, Michelle Rowland (photo: x @PressClubAust)

JAKARTA The Australian government plans to fine social media platforms that fail to prevent the spread of false information. Proven incorrect platforms will be fined up to 5 percent of global revenue.

Currently, the Australian government is drafting a law (RUU) that can regulate social media actions in stopping the spread of disinformation. The bill will be introduced in parliament on Thursday, September 12.

The focus of making this law is the eradication of fake content that can undermine election integrity. The government also wants to eliminate content calling for criticism from a group and potentially disrupting emergency services.

"Misinformation and disinformation pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Australians, as well as to our democracy, society and economy," said Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, regarding the drafting of the bill.

Rowland added that misinformation and disinformation must be handled properly by social media platforms. Therefore, "Doing nothing and letting this problem drag on is not an option."

The bill to eradicate false information received strong criticism early last year because the Australian Communications and Media Authority was too involved in the bill. However, in the new version, media regulators do not have any authority.

The revised version of the bill will protect professional news, artistic content, and religious content. This bill will not protect content passed by the government as well as content containing misinformation and disinformation.