Australia to Fine Tech Companies That Platform 'Disinformation'
Australia to Fine Tech Companies forThat PlatformingPlatform 'Disinformation,'
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), Michell Rowland, speech will be labled mis- or disinformation only if it's "seriously harmful and verifiably false."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
The ACMA understands the delicate relationshionshiprelationship 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 blatantlyverifiably false and harmful information about topics such as public health will be under its scope. Unlike authoritarian countries like Russia, the ACMA will only focus on verifiably false and harmful content.
Australia has become so authoritarian that even establishment-friendly newspapers and political groups have come out against this bill. EveryoneNeither knows they can't trust the government ornor tech companies can be trusted to define the truth, butas the ACMA appears uninterested in the public's concerns. Mismis- and disinformation arehave justbecome buzzwords for wannabe tyrants to use against political speech they don't like,. butThankfully, thankfully, the majority of Australians are becoming aware of this.
