False content on climate change can erode public debate and policy, submission says
In a recent submission, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said any laws targeting false and misleading information on climate change should consider human rights principles and balance fighting misinformation and disinformation with ensuring transparency and free speech.
In its submission to the Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, the AHRC said propagating climate-related misinformation and disinformation could diminish public debate, informed policy, and thus the affirmation of the right to a healthy, clean, and sustainable environment.
The AHRC’s submission urged the Australian government to base its response to such false information in human rights law while imposing adequate safeguards for free expression. The submission also suggested legislating an AI Act.
In its submission, the AHRC recommended that the federal government:
In a news release, the AHRC noted that the human rights commissioner had previously looked into the obstacles to clearly defining misinformation and disinformation and stressed that regulation should not censor diverse viewpoints or unduly limit access to such perspectives.
“Freedom of expression is directly threatened when genuine differences of opinion are dismissed, or removed, by laws aimed at countering misinformation and disinformation,” the AHRC’s submission said. “This risk to free expression may be exacerbated when these laws are poorly designed, ambiguous or misused by governments.”
The AHRC’s news release defined misinformation as incorrect information shared without intent to deceive and disinformation as deliberately false information designed to mislead. The AHRC distinguished misinformation and disinformation from controversial or unpopular opinions.
The AHRC’s submission noted that social media platforms can swiftly spread climate-related misinformation and disinformation using algorithms that promote content based on engagement instead of quality.
In its submission, the AHRC added that bots, trolls, and deepfake technology can influence public debate and democratic participation.
