The Albanese government has badly overreached on two vital areas of regulation.
First and foremost, Labor’s disinformation bill threatens to ban commentary that the government (via a faceless bureaucrat) doesn’t agree with, threatening a key pillar of democracy: free speech.
Recall that the Albanese government sought to combat disinformation via a new reporting register.
A page on the ALP’s website encourages party members and supporters to “report disinformation” via an online form to “fight lies and fake news”:
The form requires users to enter their name, email address, complaint information, and the media platform involved.
There is also a section where you can exchange links to the material and upload “evidence” to the site for assessment.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers explained that the federal government’s disinformation bill applies to “the economy”.
In other words, Labor would be able to censor debate about economic policy, immigration, or other matter.
This comes as Treasurer Jim Chalmers and other Labor ministers have been caught repeatedly misleading voters about the state of the economy, inflation, wage growth, housing, and other areas.
It is like Labor has used 1984 as a blueprint for policy making.
Second, Labor’s planned ban social media for children aged under 16 has been signed off by national cabinet (dominated by Labor Premiers) and is blatant regulatory overreach.
Under the proposed legislation, social media platforms such as Facebook (Meta), TikTok, Twitter (X), YouTube, SnapChat, would need to “demonstrate they are taking responsible steps to prevent access” to children under the age of 16.
The definition may also capture gaming platforms such as Roblox and chat platforms such as Reddit or Discord, plus many smaller players.
The eSafety commissioner would provide oversight and enforcement, with the legislation to kick in 12 months after it passes parliament.
Tender documents released in September showed that biometric age estimation, email verification, and device or operating-level interventions are among the technologies being assessed.
The definition of “social media” is quite frankly absurd and draconian.
My 14 year-old daughter responsibly uses YouTube all the time to learn crafts, watch documentaries, troubleshoot problems, and learn how to make and edit content, listen to music, etc.
She literally taught herself how to crochet over the pandemic via YouTube and has become an expert.
Teachers also often refer students to YouTube “how to” videos to assist them with their studies.
My autistic son also loves watching children’s nursery rhymes and shows on YouTube.
Therefore, the very notion of banning YouTube, Roblox, and other platforms is deplorable and blatant overreach. I will decide what my children watch/use, not the government.
The Albanese government needs to stop meddling in our lives and focus on doing the basics of government right.
We need less government intervention in our lives, not more.
I will be preferencing the Coalition above Labor and the Greens on these issues alone. I urge MB readers to do likewise.
