Hey there! Have you heard the latest news from Australia? 🇦🇺 The government has decided not to go ahead with new laws that would regulate misinformation on social media platforms!
So, what was the plan? Well, the Australian government wanted social media companies like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter) to take responsibility for stopping the spread of false information. 🤔
Misinformation is when someone shares something that’s not true, maybe by accident. Disinformation is when false information is shared on purpose to mislead people. Not cool, right?
They proposed that a group called the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) could fine social media companies if they didn’t do enough to prevent this. 💸
But here’s the twist! Other political groups like the opposition coalition, the Greens, and some independent senators didn’t agree with the plan. Without enough support, the government decided to drop these proposed laws. 🚫
This all happened just before the last parliamentary meeting of 2024. Now, the government is focusing on a new idea: banning under-16s from using social media! 😮 They’re moving quickly, and this could become law very soon.
What do you think about all this? Should social media platforms be responsible for stopping false information? And how would you feel if kids under 16 couldn’t use social media anymore? Let us know your thoughts! 💭
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
