Misinformation Bill Back in Parliament: Critics Concerned Definition of ‘Harm’ Widened

Labor Minister Michelle Rowland says the new Misinformation Bill is aimed at safeguarding democracy.

In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a phone in New York City on March 14, 2024. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The Labor government has brought back the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill to Parliament after it was delayed in late 2023.

The proposed law will provide the country’s media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), with the power to tackle “misinformation and disinformation” on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.