The Albanese government has dropped its proposed legislation to fine social media companies for failing to address misinformation, citing a lack of support in the Senate.
“Based on public statements and engagements with Senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the Senate,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said in a statement.
The bill sought to empower the Australian Communications and Media Authority to impose fines of up to 5% of global revenue on tech companies that failed to prevent the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation.
Despite its intended objectives, the proposal faced widespread criticism from across the political spectrum, civil rights groups, and international observers, who warned it posed significant threats to free speech.
Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman called the bill “an appalling overreach” and likened its provisions to a “dystopian novel,” arguing it would have led to excessive censorship as platforms acted to avoid hefty penalties.
Coleman said the bill’s rejection was a victory for free speech, claiming it exposed the Labor government’s willingness to let bureaucrats determine what Australians could and could not say online. He demanded an apology from the government for attempting to pass what he termed “censorship laws.”
Criticism extended beyond parliament. The Australian Human Rights Commission, constitutional law experts like Anne Twomey, and civil society organizations voiced concerns about the bill’s implications for free expression. International objections also emerged, with U.S. Republican lawmaker Jim Jordan questioning how the legislation would affect American companies and global free speech.
Industry representatives, including members of the Digital Industry Group (DIGI), welcomed the decision. DIGI, which includes major tech companies like Meta, argued that the proposal duplicated existing anti-misinformation efforts already in place under a voluntary code.
The rejection of the bill comes as the Labor government faces declining public support and prepares for a federal election within a year.
