ACMA has launched a public consultation on a framework aimed at empowering digital platforms to combat online misinformation.
“Mis and disinformation sows division within the community. It also undermines trust and can threaten public health and safety,” Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to keeping Australians safe online. And that includes ensuring the ACMA has the powers it needs to hold digital platforms to account for mis and disinformation on their services,” Rowlan further added.
ACMA’s campaign to combat online misinformation
Intending to enhance transparency when addressing false information while respecting the essential freedom of expression, the public consultation allows industry stakeholders and the public to review the ACMA’s proposed information-gathering, record-keeping, code registration, and standard-making powers.
The framework will concentrate on addressing systemic issues that pose risks on digital platforms, without granting the ACMA the authority to arbitrate truth or falsehood or remove individual content or posts.
However, this will not extend to professional news content or authorized electoral content.
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Under the framework, digital platforms will continue to bear responsibility for their content. But ACMA will utilise its reserve powers if the platforms fail to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation.
ACMA’s reserve powers allow it to enforce industry codes. Examples of these are empowering users with stronger tools to identify and report misinformation and disinformation. This will ensure more robust complaints handling, and enables greater utilization of fact-checkers.
These proposed powers align with the key recommendations put forth in the ACMA’s June 2021 report to the government regarding the sufficiency of digital platforms’ measures in tackling disinformation and ensuring news quality.
“This consultation process gives industry and the public the opportunity to have their say on the proposed framework. This aims to strike the right balance between protection from harmful mis and disinformation online and freedom of speech,” Minister Rowland said.
“I encourage all stakeholders to make a submission. And look forward to introducing the Bill into Parliament later this year, following the consultation process”.