Australia to access Big Tech companies’ internal data on misinformation

The Australian media regulator (ACMA) will reportedly gain authority to force internet firms to hand over internal data about how they manage instances of disinformation and misinformation. This is one of the newest measures by the government to clamp down on Big Tech companies.

The federal government stated that the ACMA will also be able to force internet industry code on platforms that are uncooperative. This marks Australia’s entry into the union of governments working towards reducing the spread of destructive falsehoods in the online world.

Notably, these new laws are in response to an ACMA report which found that around 80% of Australian adults had experienced misinformation about COVID-19 and 76% believed that online platforms should do more to reduce the amount of misleading and false content shared online.

The laws are in line with Europe’s efforts to remove damaging content online, which are due to take effect by the end of this year. The European Union also has plans for tougher measures to curb disinformation spread by Russian state-owned media during the Ukrainian invasion.

The crackdown has been set in motion as the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to compete in a tight federal election in April, with his Liberal Party-led coalition trailing behind the main opposition Labor Party.

Minister of Communications, Paul Fletcher was quoted saying that digital platforms must take on responsibility for the content posted on their sites and deal with it when misleading or harmful content appears.

It is worth noting that the report pinpointed that disinformation, which means the willful spreading of false information to sow discord or influence politics, was increasingly targeting Australian citizens.

As per sources, conspiracy groups often promote fewer known platforms like Telegram, which have loose moderation policies. Such platforms pose a higher risk to the Australian community when they refuse to adhere to industry-set content guidelines.

Source Credits –

https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/government-policy/australia-to-make-big-tech-hand-over-misinformation-data/90343869