The ACMA has today released its third report to government on the effectiveness of the voluntary Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation.
The report sets out the ACMA's views on code signatories' efforts under the voluntary arrangements to combat misinformation and disinformation, as well as the operation of code governance and reporting arrangements.
The key findings from the report include:
- Recent data indicates that 75% of Australians are concerned about misinformation, an increase from 69% in 2022. Australians' continued concern is emphasised by the recent tragic stabbing events in Bondi Junction and Wakeley.
- Annual transparency reports published under the code continue to provide some qualitative insights into signatories' responses to misinformation.
- However, transparency reports lack consistent Australian-trended data and key performance indicators, which means Australians cannot be confident that platforms are delivering on code commitments.
- The ACMA's 2021 recommendations to government on transparency remain relevant and their implementation is more than urgent than ever, given community concern.
As the government considers a formal regulatory role for the ACMA, we have released this report as part of our ongoing oversight of the voluntary code and to provide clarity on how the ACMA sees the current voluntary scheme interacting with proposed powers under the new legislation.
The ACMA will also continue to work with industry to develop the first iteration of a measurement framework to support transparency reporting. This work has been informed by an independent validation of potential metrics, which has been released today alongside our report.
While consideration of the legislation takes place, the ACMA will continue to oversee the code and work with digital platforms to improve the current self-regulatory arrangements.
