Australia has unveiled plans to impose fines of up to 5% of global revenue on internet platforms that fail to curb the spread of misinformation, as part of a growing global push to regulate tech giants.
Under the proposed legislation, tech companies will be required to establish codes of conduct aimed at controlling harmful misinformation, which must be approved by a regulatory body. Platforms that fail to comply will face enforcement, with the regulator setting its own standards and imposing penalties on violators.
The bill, set to be introduced on Thursday, targets false information that undermines election integrity, public health, and vital services such as infrastructure and emergency response.
This legislative move is part of Australia’s broader strategy to reassert control over tech platforms ahead of an upcoming federal election. However, the proposal has sparked concern among free speech advocates, who warn it could lead to overreach.
The government dismissed suggestions of inaction, emphasising the urgent need for regulation. The bill has been revised to limit the media regulator’s power, ensuring it cannot directly order the removal of specific content or user accounts. There are also protections for professional journalism, as well as artistic and religious content.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has not commented on the proposed legislation, but industry group DIGI voiced concerns over the new regulatory framework. Meanwhile, opposition leaders cautioned against potential censorship of political views.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has welcomed the possibility of a regulatory role in addressing misinformation on digital platforms.