Fighting Against Online ‘Misinformation’: Whose Responsibility Is It?
Protecting free speech is crucial in giving a voice to the powerless against the more powerful, as history has shown.
Commentary
The Australian government has announced plans to implement misinformation legislation.
The goal is to grant the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) the power to compel social media platforms to address any supposed “misinformation.”
This could mean that views conflicting with the official narrative may be considered “harmful” by the authorities.
There are differing opinions on what constitutes harm, with many viewing the government’s information on mRNA vaccines as misleading and harmful. However, the government, influenced by pharmaceutical companies, will maintain its stance.
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Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has expressed willingness for the Coalition to collaborate with the government in enhancing eSafety laws.
Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley also supports Labor in taking action against social media platforms.
Notably, the former Coalition government treated concerns about COVID vaccine safety as domestic terrorism, stifling dissenting voices.
The government relied on research from pharmaceutical companies to promote the safety of vaccines, while taking punitive action against doctors who raised concerns or provided alternative treatments.
Australia Takes Aim at Social Media
Australia’s Communications Minister Michelle Rowlands has openly declared the government’s commitment to combat online misinformation.
The eSafety commissioner, an unelected bureaucrat, enforces compliance with the communication minister’s directives.
Commissioner Julie Inman Grant recently ordered X (formerly Twitter) to remove specific content or face fines, sparking a debate on censorship.
X has contested the demands to remove content, citing censorship concerns and vowing to challenge in court.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, criticized Australian censorship efforts, highlighting the global implications.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for Commissioner Julie Inman Grant’s actions, emphasizing the protection of Australians’ interests.
Authoritarian governments often curtail free speech, and history shows that protecting free speech empowers the voiceless against the powerful.
Information That Threatens the Elite
The Australian government, through its communications minister, has been rallying global support to form a consortium aimed at pressuring social media giants into compliance with misinformation standards.
An initial step was taken on Feb. 20 with the signing of an MOU between Australia and the UK to enhance online safety and security.
Authoritarian trends in reducing dissent have become apparent in recent years, underscoring the importance of safeguarding free speech as a fundamental right.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and may not reflect those of The Epoch Times.
