🇦🇺 The Australian government has officially dropped its plan to introduce new laws aimed at fighting misinformation on social media platforms. This decision comes after significant pushback in the Senate. 📉
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, announced on Sunday that the proposed legislation will not move forward. The bill was facing strong opposition from the coalition, the Greens, and several independent senators, making it impossible for the governing Labor Party to secure the necessary majority. 🤷♀️
Had it passed, the legislation would have empowered the Australian Communications and Media Authority to fine social media companies that didn't effectively monitor and regulate misinformation and disinformation on their networks. 💰🚫
But with the Senate's rejection, the government has shifted its focus to a different proposal: a world-first plan to ban users under 16 from social media. 📱🚷 The bill is fast-tracked and expected to be passed in the final parliamentary week of 2024, with votes likely happening on Wednesday or Thursday. 🗳️
Stay tuned as Australia continues to navigate the challenges of regulating social media and protecting its young users! 🌟
