X threatened with info laws
The Federal Government is working on new legislation targeting misinformation on digital platforms.
In a stern warning to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has highlighted the imminent risks the company faces if it fails to address the rampant spread of mis- and disinformation.
The Albanese government's draft laws, aimed at tightening regulations around online content, could see X incurring fines up to $3 million or 2 per cent of its annual turnover for non-compliance with an ACMA inquiry, and even greater penalties for failing to meet ACMA standards.
Rowland's warning comes in the wake of various controversies surrounding X, including the distribution of deepfake pornography, the reinstatement of 6,000 banned accounts, and a Federal Court lawsuit for not meeting “basic safety expectations” concerning child sexual exploitation material.
The proposed laws seek to establish a code of conduct for platforms and grant additional powers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to enforce strict standards against mis- and disinformation.
With X already ousted from the voluntary industry code for a “serious breach” and facing Federal Court action for allegedly providing inaccurate information, the platform is under significant scrutiny.
Rowland says she is in the process of refining the draft laws, addressing concerns over definitions and seeking to incorporate a religious exemption.
In addition to tackling online misinformation, Rowland revealed plans for a major overhaul of Australia Post and a formal response to the push for a gambling advertising ban.
The proposed changes to Australia Post aim to reduce letter delivery frequency while maintaining daily parcel deliveries, a response to the service's $200 million loss last year.
The gambling advertising inquiry, recommending a phased ban over three years, is also under careful consideration.
As X navigates these regulatory challenges, it is also venturing into original video content, paying celebrities and media personalities to produce TV-like shows in an attempt to attract advertisers and viewers.
This shift, led by CEO Linda Yaccarino and leveraging her extensive television industry connections, marks a pivot from X's traditional short-form content to more professionally produced, broadcast-quality programming.
With notable figures like Don Lemon and Paris Hilton on board, X is seeking a major shift in its content strategy and appeal.