Australia Proposes Controversial Misinformation Laws

Australia's proposed 'Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Act' has sparked significant controversy, with critics labeling it a severe threat to free speech. The bill mandates that tech companies develop codes of conduct to combat misinformation, with non-compliance resulting in fines up to 5% of global revenue. Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland argues that misinformation poses a serious threat to public safety and democracy. However, opposition figures like Senator Alex Antic suggest the legislation could stifle legitimate discourse and act as a tool for over-policing. Critics, including John Storey from the Institute of Public Affairs, have called the legislation the most significant attack on free speech in Australia's peacetime history. The government's approach has drawn comparisons to the EU's stringent Digital Services Act, intensifying fears of excessive censorship.