Australia scraps bill to give watchdog power over social media misinformation, citing lack of support.

Australia's government has withdrawn a bill that aimed to give a media watchdog the power to monitor digital platforms for misinformation and disinformation. Critics, including the opposition, argued the bill resembled censorship and posed a threat to free speech. The Communications Minister Michelle Rowland admitted the bill lacked sufficient support to pass in the Senate. The legislation would have allowed the Australian Communications and Media Authority to enforce a code of conduct for social media companies if self-regulation failed.

November 23, 2024
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