The Albanese government’s Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, currently out for consultation, is facing opposition on the grounds that it is a threat to free speech. This opposition not only misunderstands the bill’s nature, but also illustrates a naive understanding of the threats to our society and our democracy.

Democracy is under threat in many parts of the world. Many people I have spoken to in the US, for example, consider disinformation on digital platforms is increasing polarisation and so threatening their democracy.