The *Misinformation and Disinformation Bill 2024*, currently proposed by the Australian Parliament, poses a significant threat to free speech. While its aim is to combat harmful content, the bill's vague definitions of "misinformation" and "disinformation" open the door to dangerous overreach. Misinformation is broadly defined as content that is “reasonably verifiable as false” and “likely to cause or contribute to serious harm,” yet what constitutes "misleading" or "harmful" remains ambiguous. This lack of clarity risks suppressing legitimate speech, especially controversial opinions, political dissent, and minority perspectives.

Under the bill, digital platforms are tasked with monitoring and removing content deemed to be misinformation, creating a chilling effect where platforms may over-censor to avoid penalties. This encourages platforms to act as private censors, removing content not because it is harmful, but because it is controversial or challenges mainstream narratives. The result? Suppression of political discourse, journalism, and public debate for all of Australia.

The bill also allows the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to enforce compliance and determine what constitutes harmful content, giving the government enormous power over digital communication. Such centralized control over online speech risks political manipulation, and without clear judicial oversight, there’s little recourse for those wrongfully censored. Now that would undermine what this country was built on too!

This threatens independent journalism as well, particularly smaller outlets and citizen journalists who may not fit under the bill’s definition of "professional news." Investigative journalism, which is often controversial and challenges those in power, could be flagged and removed, further eroding free discourse.

In a democracy, free speech—including dissent and unpopular views—is essential to public debate and accountability. This bill undermines that by encouraging over-censorship, stifling alternative viewpoints, and giving disproportionate power to the government to regulate online speech.

We must stand against this attack on free speech. Sign this petition to send a clear message to the government: Australians do not support this bill. We believe in the right to free expression and robust debate without fear of censorship. Let’s prove that nobody wants this law. Together, we can protect our fundamental rights and ensure that the voices of all Australians are heard.

Protect Our Speech!

EDIT: The formal name for this bill is ‘Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024’

This bill can also be challenged at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/MisandDisinfobill

Credit: Benjamin