Australia's government has withdrawn a bill that aimed to empower a media watchdog to monitor digital platforms and require them to maintain records regarding misinformation and disinformation on their networks. The Communications Minister stated that the government lacked the necessary support to pass the legislation. The opposition criticized the bill, labeling it as a threat to democracy and likening it to censorship laws.
The proposed bill would have given the Australian Communications and Media Authority authority over digital platforms, allowing for the approval of an enforceable code of conduct or standards for social media companies in cases where self-regulation proved inadequate.
The bill's opponents argued that it would stifle free speech, as platforms might resort to censoring online content to avoid potential hefty fines. The decision to withdraw the bill was made following assessments of public statements and engagements with senators, revealing a lack of viable pathways for its legislative approval.
