ACMA Extends Deadline for Submissions regarding their new powers to punish social media platforms for 'mis and dis-information'
Does this mean they've received too many submissions for them to handle in the allotted timeframe?
Originally, the deadline for making submissions regarding the proposed bill which will put the final nail in the coffin for our rights to free speech should it pass, was set down as August 6th. Today, that has changed on ACMA’s website and you now have until the 20th of August to make a submission.
Here is the link to the page - New ACMA Powers to Combat Misinformation and Disinformation - and below is the interview I did with Human Rights Solicitor, Peter Fam, this past Sunday regarding the threats this bill poses to our freedom. You can also download Peter’s submission here - feel free to use any of his points in your own letter to ACMA.
According to ACMA’s website, you can send your submission via the following method:
We want to hear your feedback on the proposed legislation. It's easy to have your say—simply read the exposure draft Bill and the supporting documents and:
Make a submission below by clicking the 'Have your say' button.
Email us in writing, via video, or by sending an audio recording to information.integrity@infrastructure.gov.au.
You can also post your submission once it’s been uploaded (registered mail is recommended) to the following address:
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts,
GPO Box 594
Canberra ACT 2601
ACMA’s website says that all submissions will be uploaded in tranches based on whether or not the writer requested anonymity so please keep this in mind. But also keep in mind that tens of thousands of submissions will be necessary to stop this draconian legislation from going through. Ten minutes of your time now can make a huge difference down the track.
As always, please consider sending a copy of your submission to me at admin@myinformedchoice.com.au - I may publish what you have written but will never reveal your personal details to any third party or publish them.
If you would like to read some of the previous submissions that have been copied to me, you can do so on the page linked below:
What a brilliant submission from Peter Fam et al. My guess is they've extended the deadline just so they can get through this letter alone! 🙂
How odd.
Normally they just have a set date, and it stays put. Plus, if they don't want more submissions, they would be better off closing it rather than risking even MORE coming in! So why ARE they leaving it open? So they can get more people to send in PRO-misinformation submissions?! Maybe there are just so, so many ANTI-misinformation submissions that they need time to get some cronies together so they can put in their "I like tyranny" submissions...who knows.
Maybe you are right, Meryl. Maybe they need more time to go through this. If there are THAT many submissions, it may turn out to be a very important topic - and they want to get as much feedback as possible.
Or maybe, just maybe, they want to get as many names/details of people who are 'anti-misinformation' (ie people who like the truth & dislike the govt) so they can turn it into a 'hit list' for later on...
I didn't sign mine anonymously. I'm not hiding. I'm not afraid. I will tell the truth as often as possible, until I die. And I will tell off the govt when I think they're doing something wrong! I also tell them well done when I am happy with them (that hasn't happened for some time, though...!).