Multiple Australian faith leaders have expressed significant concerns about the proposed misinformation and disinformation legislation by the Federal government. The legislation grants broad powers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to enforce compliance from digital platforms regarding content shared online.
The Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 is up for debate in Parliament this week. Under this bill, misinformation and disinformation are defined as content that is reasonably verifiable as false, misleading, or deceptive, and reasonably likely to cause or contribute to serious harm.
While news and content shared for academic, artistic, scientific, or religious purposes are exempt from the legislation, religious groups have still raised concerns. In a combined submission by various faith leaders including those from the Anglican Church of Australia (Sydney Diocese), Shia Muslim Council of Australia, Australian Baptist Ministries, Presbyterian Church of Australia, Seventh Day Adventist Church of Australia, Hillsong Australia, NSW Council of Churches, and the Christian Schools Association; major concerns were highlighted.
The submission stated that there are significant concerns about how this bill would affect free dissemination of ideas in the public sphere specifically related to religious speech and debate. The faith leaders argued that the definitions provided in the bill for misinformation and disinformation were too broad and could potentially restrict legitimate expressions of religious opinions.
Furthermore, they raised concerns about platform providers applying “reasonableness” tests on contentious content due to fear of financial sanctions. They also warned that this bill would create a two-tier approach to religious expression under Australian law with more stringent controls on digital platforms compared to non-digital communications covered by other laws.
In addition to these concerns raised by faith leaders across different denominations in Australia; Christ the Good Shepherd Church opposed passing this legislation after one of their clergy members was stabbed during a live-streamed sermon. They condemned using such incidents for political gain while emphasizing transparency and truth as core values.
On another note though Uniting Church in Australia Synod expressed support for this proposed law citing psychological effects caused by online misinformation as justification for greater regulation.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized that addressing misinformation is crucial for safeguarding Australians’ safety online while protecting democracy.