Australia has officially dropped its controversial plan to regulate online misinformation, dealing a win to free-speech advocates—and Silicon Valley. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland confirmed Sunday the government won't pursue the bill after facing bipartisan opposition in the Senate.
Why It Failed
The proposed laws would've let regulators fine platforms like TikTok and Meta for failing to curb false claims. But critics called it a 'censorship overreach,' with the Greens and opposition parties teaming up to block Labor's push. 'Balance is key,' Rowland said, hinting at future negotiations.
Youth Safety Takes Priority
Meanwhile, Canberra is racing to pass its world-first ban on under-16s using social media before parliament wraps this week. The pivot signals a focus on child protection over content moderation—a move likely to spark global debates as lawmakers grapple with Big Tech's influence.
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