Electoral Watchdog Seeks New Powers to Curb Platform Disinformation

Australia’s election watchdog is seeking expanded enforcement capabilities and formal standards for social media platforms to combat disinformation ahead of the 2025 federal election, citing growing concerns about the integrity of Australia’s information ecosystem.

In a statement released yesterday, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) called for new legislative powers that would allow it to issue formal notices to digital platforms when illegal or misleading electoral content is identified. The proposed reform comes in response to what the commission described as a “deterioration in the information environment” that threatens to undermine public trust in the electoral process.

The commission expressed frustration with the inconsistent response times and procedures among technology companies when alerted to problematic content. Officials noted that while some platforms acted swiftly to remove misleading electoral information, others took days or even weeks to respond to the same concerns.

“We’ve seen a troubling increase in coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting our electoral system,” said an AEC spokesperson. “Without standardized protocols and enforcement mechanisms, our ability to ensure voters receive accurate information is severely compromised.”

The proposed reforms would establish minimum standards for how quickly platforms must respond to notifications about potential electoral misinformation, what actions they must take, and how they should report back to authorities about steps taken.

Australia has already experienced several significant disinformation incidents related to the upcoming 2025 federal election, including false claims about voting procedures, candidate eligibility, and electoral fraud. These incidents have spread rapidly across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, making timely intervention critical.

Digital rights experts have generally welcomed the proposal while emphasizing the need for appropriate safeguards. Dr. Emily Watkins, a technology policy researcher at the University of Sydney, noted that any new powers must be carefully calibrated.

“While we absolutely need mechanisms to address harmful electoral disinformation, these tools must be designed with precision to avoid overreach or unintended consequences for legitimate political discourse,” Watkins said.

The recommendation comes amid a broader global conversation about social media regulation. In recent years, numerous countries have implemented or proposed new regulations for digital platforms, particularly around elections. The European Union’s Digital Services Act, for example, imposes strict obligations on platforms regarding illegal content, while Canada recently passed legislation specifically targeting electoral disinformation.

The current regulatory framework in Australia relies largely on voluntary cooperation from technology companies. The Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation, launched in 2021, provides guidelines but lacks formal enforcement mechanisms. The AEC’s proposal would significantly strengthen this approach with binding legal obligations.

Industry representatives have responded cautiously to the proposal. The Digital Industry Group Inc (DIGI), which represents several major technology companies in Australia, acknowledged the importance of election integrity but emphasized the need for practical implementation timelines and clear definitions of prohibited content.

“Our member companies are committed to preventing the spread of harmful misinformation, especially during election periods,” said a DIGI spokesperson. “We look forward to working constructively with the government on reasonable measures that balance rapid response with appropriate due process.”

The government has not yet indicated whether it will support the electoral watchdog’s recommendations, though Communications Minister has previously signaled openness to stronger platform regulation.

Political analysts suggest the proposed reforms will likely receive cross-partisan support given growing concerns about foreign interference and coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting democratic institutions worldwide.

The AEC has requested that any new powers be implemented well before the 2025 federal election to allow for proper testing and refinement of processes. The commission has also called for additional resources to effectively monitor digital spaces and coordinate with platform operators.