Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024

The majority voted in favour of a motion to read the bill for a second time. In other words, they voted to agree with the main idea of the bill. This means they can now discuss it in more detail.

What does this bill do?

According to the bills digest:

• The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 aims to reduce the spread of seriously harmful misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms.
• However, it is unclear if the Bill will operate in a manner compatible with Australia’s international human rights obligations related to freedom of expression. The definitions of misinformation and disinformation create some uncertainty as to the breadth of content captured.
• The Bill introduces transparency requirements for certain digital communications platforms related to misinformation and disinformation. This includes obligations to publish information on risk management actions, media literacy plans, and complaints processes.
• The Bill provides the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with new powers to create digital platform rules requiring digital communication platforms to report and keep records on certain matters related to misinformation and disinformation.
• The Bill provides ACMA with a graduated set of powers in relation to the development and registration of industry misinformation codes and misinformation standards. Registered codes and standards are enforceable.
• The Bill has been referred to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry, with a reporting date of 25 November 2024.
• Both the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights have raised concerns with the Bill.