Australia's Orwellian misinformation laws move one step closer to reality
Controversial new legislation sparks debate on online censorship and accountability, as fears of a potential Digital ID system loom.
Australia’s controversial new misinformation laws are a step closer to becoming a reality after the Misinformation and Disinformation (MAD) Bill passed through the House of Representatives this week.
The MAD Bill has sparked fierce debate over their impact on free speech and digital privacy. After passing through the House of Representatives, the legislation now faces scrutiny in the Senate, where opposition voices warn of potential overreach.
🚨🚨 BREAKING AUSTRALIA 🚨🚨
— Aus Integrity (@QBCCIntegrity) November 7, 2024
*** S.O.S. Australia’s constitution is being usurped. TREASON BY Labor ***
🚨MISINFORMATION BILL UPDATE 🚨
73 Labor Ministers and 6 Independents voted in the AFFIRMATIVE
THE MAD CENSORSHIP BILL WILL PASS THE HOUSE TODAYpic.twitter.com/r3DDag2ffI
The federal government insists the bill is necessary to protect Australians from the harms of misinformation and disinformation, which it says have undermined public trust and safety.
The Misinfo Disinfo bill is being rushed through parliament and is set to pass.
— Alex James (@actualAlexJames) November 7, 2024
This is who voted yes to the bill.
Say something nice about them. pic.twitter.com/W0R42YFcjG
It wouldn’t be a debate without a contribution from @RealBobKatter
— Aus Integrity (@QBCCIntegrity) November 6, 2024
Spitting fire 🔥 Bob puts a torch to Labor’s Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024
The MAD Censorship Law must not passpic.twitter.com/rajDE80h97
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland defended the legislation, arguing it maintains democratic freedoms while holding tech companies accountable. “This bill will increase the transparency and accountability of the actions of digital platforms ... while balancing the freedom of expression that is at the very core of our democracy,” she said.
The agenda has changed, the USA has a new president and new Government.
— Matthew Camenzuli (@Matt_Camenzuli) November 6, 2024
The misinformation bill is now not part of their agenda.
Albanese and #ekaren threatened to sue a man who is now a part of the administration. @elonmusk, the owner of this platform.
Drop it Albanese. pic.twitter.com/LzfPpuTb6G
If passed, the legislation would grant the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) powers to monitor digital platforms’ handling of misinformation and require these companies to retain records of false information on their networks.
The Governments in Australia will double down the attack on free speech.
— David Limbrick MP 🌸 (@_davidlimbrick) November 6, 2024
They don’t want you to read or say things they don’t approve of.
Get ready for them to attack X and @elonmusk like never before.
They’ve already started.
The authority could also impose an industry code of conduct or introduce standards for social media if companies fail to self-regulate effectively.
More like: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that all Australians will have to upload ID to use the Internet https://t.co/QzfDTD5lPG
— Matt Barrie (@matt_barrie) November 6, 2024
The legislation has drawn strong opposition. Nationals MP Keith Pitt described the bill as a step towards an Orwellian surveillance state.
“Will this end up in the equivalent of digital book burning because someone who is not an academic puts forward a view that the government of the day decides is unacceptable?” Pitt questioned.
His comparison to George Orwell’s novel 1984 underscores concerns about the government’s potential power to censor dissenting voices online.
⚠️ 🚨 BREAKING AUSTRALIA 🚨 ⚠️
— Aus Integrity (@QBCCIntegrity) November 6, 2024
Whilst many are distracted on US politics and life generally today, Mark Butler has cleared everything in parliament to “debate” the MAD Censorship Bill through to 10pm
They’re desperate to force the law through ASAP pic.twitter.com/6K3BmNmZJp
However, Pitt also proposed that identity verification for social media users could be a better approach to reduce online bullying and misinformation, suggesting users should be accountable by posting under their real identities. “Your digital online life is your real life,” he said. “If you want to make comments, that’s fine, but it should be as you – as a verified account.”
Whole world watching the US Election:
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) November 6, 2024
Australian Gov w @AlboMP at the helm:
“Quick, lets “debate” this misinfo/disinfo bill right now!”
Oh, yep the same bill pollies are excempt from.
The debate over these laws comes amid Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent announcement to restrict social media access for children under 16, further fuelling discussions.
COMMENTS
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Bruce Atchison commented 2024-11-07 14:50:48 -0500This crapola keeps happening all over the western world. It’s up to us who value freedom to oppose this censorious legislation wherever it appears. Global communists are endangering all our freedoms.
