No, the ABC video editor is currently making a rap piece with gunshot sound effects for Raygun.

'One abominable decision after another.'

Do you think it's a coincidence that all western leaders are making the same abominable decisions one after another, or do you think that maybe, occums razor might adequetely explain that these 'leaders' were not actually on our team to begin with?

It seems no one here understands what’s being proposed. There are many questions being asked that are answered with a simple internet search.

So far as I can tell, all this amendment does is require large social media platforms to tackle deliberate misinformation and disinformation, and document the steps they’ve taken to do this for auditing purposes. This was spurned by the misinformation campaigns during the covid lockdowns, which almost certainly would have cost lives.

The amendment wouldn’t affect individuals, so you will all still be free to post comments denying or downplaying covid, vaccines, evidence-based Western medicine, and climate change.

John,

That's great that the legislation won't change anyone's ability to express an opinion, but if that is true then why do anything. It sounds like the argument for the Voice: "No, nothing will change at all. Really.".

I have a question. Being old and not a user of social media - Facebook, X and others I've never heard of, I don't understand this "bullying" always talked about, and needing some stern action from the Albanese regime and that American woman who couldn't make it in her own country.

What form does the "bullying" take? Is it really bullying, or is it just some poor things facing reality for the first time in their lives? Mummy's and Daddy's little darlings finding out that they are not the apple of everyone's eye. Ooh, other people don't all agree with me like my Mummy, my best friend, does. Dummy spits all round. Where's the closest therapist?

How can anyone be bullied by an entity that exists only on a computer screen using a silly, made up name?

Fester,

There’s more to misinformation and disinformation than, say, the occasional bogan on Facebook reposting some misleading viral post about electric cars.

The spreading of misinformation and disinformation can extend to large, organised campaigns by groups who make a career out of it. This is what seems to be the main and ultimate target of the legislation.

And given the real-world harm that can result from such campaigns, it makes sense to ensure that social media platforms are required to at least document their efforts to tackle them.

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ttbn,

Good question. Bullying on social media isn't just about someone disagreeing with you or bursting some bubble of self-esteem. It's often large-scale, organised, and relentless.

People can face harassment, threats, doxxing (having their private information shared), and defamation from strangers or groups. It's not just a matter of seeing something you don't like; it's about being targeted in a way that can lead to harm (e.g. job loss, depression and even suicide.)

Social media extends the reach of bullies and allows them to organise harassment campaigns. It's not about "facing reality," it's about preventing coordinated abuse that can have devastating effects on people.