Misinformation v Freedom of Speech

Can you combat misinformation and disinformation without undermining democracy by throttling freedom of speech? This video analyses the Commonwealth Government's attempt to do so in its exposure draft of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023. The Government is seeking submissions on it, and I have sent it a detailed written one. Indeed, for all those worried about the Voice being able to make representations to the Executive Government, here is one of the many occasions where you can too! This video discusses some of the points raised in my submission about the problems with defining and identifying misinformation, and the various problems with the technical and practical operation of this bill. In short, there are serious flaws in this exposure draft bill and we should be very wary of the risk that it would entail for freedom of speech.