Australia threatens the giants of the social networks. Sydney has announced that it will fine platforms up to 5 percent of their global revenues if they are not prevented from circulation of fake news. A draconian line that follows the global push to rein in tech giants, while also dealing a severe blow to free speech. Intimidating the possibility of receiving maxi-sanctionsthe risk is that of conveying the narrative rather than fighting against disinformation.
The government has said it wants to force social media platforms to establish codes of conduct to regulate how they prevent the spread of hoaxes. The measure will be presented to Parliament on Thursday: the target is fake news regarding politics (primarily elections) and public health. The bill is part of a broad regulatory crackdown by Australia less than a year before the federal elections. The aim of this rule is to avoid problems for the health of citizens, with the circulation of material that could incite violence and hatred.
“Misinformation poses a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians, as well as to our democracy, society and economy,” the Communications Minister said. Michelle Rowland. The bill had already been debated in 2023, as the bill gave too much power to the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Rowland said the new bill specifies that the media regulator would not have the power to force the removal of individual content or user accounts. The minister also assured that the new version would instead protect professional, artistic and religious content.
The risk is that of censor legitimate political beliefs of Australians in the name of alleged misinformation. Fighting misinformation is one thing, making news that could spark debate online disappear is another. And the feared risk is real, especially when there are millions of dollars in fines as an alternative.
Social networks play a significant role in the Australian government’s strategy. In recent days there has also been talk of the possibility of introducing aminimum age to use the platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that he wants to introduce a law to prevent children and teenagers from using Facebook, Instagram or X. The government is working to define the contours of the measure, the limit for accessing the platforms will be set at 14 or 16 years of age.
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