Hey there, world news enthusiasts! 🌏 Big news coming out of Australia 🇦🇺—the government has just dropped its proposed laws to tackle misinformation on social media platforms. Yep, you heard that right!
Michelle Rowland, the Minister for Communications, announced on Sunday that they won't be moving forward with the legislation due to opposition in the Senate. The proposed laws would've given the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) the power to fine social media companies if they failed to monitor and regulate misinformation and disinformation. 💻❌
But here's the twist: the opposition coalition, the Greens, and several independent senators said \"nope\" to the bill. Without their support, the ruling Labor Party couldn't secure the votes needed to make it happen.
This announcement comes just before the final parliamentary sitting week of 2024. But wait, there's more! 🎉 The government is fast-tracking another piece of legislation—a world-first plan to ban under-16s from using social media. 🙅♂️📱 Parliament is expected to pass this bill on Wednesday or Thursday.
So, what's next for Australia's digital landscape? Stay tuned, amigos! This could shake things up in the online world Down Under.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
