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.
