Big Tech Breathes a Sigh of Relief: Australia's Misinformation Fines Dropped!

The Australian government has ceased plans to impose hefty fines on internet platforms that fail to stop the spread of online misinformation. This was declared as part of Australia's comprehensive regulatory crackdown, targeting foreign-based technology platforms accused of undermining the country's sovereignty. 

However, Communication Minister Michelle Rowland acknowledged the lack of legislative support for the proposal.

This bill was critical of introducing a groundbreaking level of transparency, ensuring big tech companies' responsibility in tackling the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation online. Rowland highlighted that a significant majority of Australians back measures to combat misinformation spreading online.

Despite this, the bill has faced opposition from both the Liberal-National coalition and the Australian Greens, along with crossbench senators. Sarah Hanson-Young, a Greens senator, deemed the government bill a "half-baked option".

- CyberBeat