Global tech firms in Australia launch anti-disinformation code

The Australian government’s pressure for online companies to act against misinformation coincided with a more controversial campaign to force the biggest of them – Facebook and Google – to pay for news content they show on their platforms. — Reuters

SYDNEY: Global tech firms in Australia unveiled a new code of practice on Feb 22 to curb the spread of disinformation online, following pressure from the government.

The lobbying group DIGI – representing Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft, TikTok and Redbubble – committed under the code to a range of actions including labelling false content on their platforms, demoting fake content and prioritising credible sources of information.