Australia’s Misinfo Bill Paves Way for Soviet-Style Censorship
August 23rd, 2023Via: Brownstone Institute:
The Australian Government’s proposed new laws to crack down on misinformation and disinformation have drawn intense criticism for their potential to restrict free expression and political dissent, paving the way for a digital censorship regime reminiscent of Soviet Lysenkoism.
Under the draft legislation, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will gain considerable expanded regulatory powers to “combat misinformation and disinformation,” which ACMA says poses a “threat to the safety and wellbeing of Australians, as well as to our democracy, society and economy.”
Digital platforms will be required to share information with ACMA on demand, and to implement stronger systems and processes for handling of misinformation and disinformation.
ACMA will be empowered to devise and enforce digital codes with a “graduated set of tools” including infringement notices, remedial directions, injunctions and civil penalties, with fines of up to $550,000 (individuals) and $2.75 million (corporations). Criminal penalties, including imprisonment, may apply in extreme cases.
Controversially, the government will be exempt from the proposed laws, as will professional news outlets, meaning that ACMA will not compel platforms to police misinformation and disinformation disseminated by official government or news sources.
Who says there is no conspiracy and coordination between the governments of the West?
Similar laws are in the bill stage across the West:
1. The UK’s Online Safety Bill (initiated in 2022).
2. Ireland’s frankly terrifying Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022.
3. The EU’s Digital Services Act.
4. Canada’s Online Harm Bill (initiated in 2022 as an update to 2021’s Bill C-361).
5. America’s RESTRICT Act, the KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act), Michigan’s Hate Speech Bill HB 4474…
And now this ACMA initiative in Australia.
Kevin, any word on NZ getting in on the act yet?
More of the same in NZ:
https://www.fsu.nz/dia_online_censorship_plan