Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy

The Commission has made a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy. The submission recognises that climate-related misinformation and disinformation potentially diminishes human rights by undermining informed public debate.

'Misinformation' and 'disinformation' can be broadly defined as:

• misinformation: Incorrect information shared without intent to deceive

• disinformation: Deliberately false information designed to mislead.

This is not the same thing as controversial or unpopular opinions. The challenges of clearly defining misinformation and disinformation have previously been examined by the Human Rights Commissioner, who has emphasised that regulation must not improperly restrict access to diverse perspectives or censor different views.

The Commission's submission calls fora rights-based approach to tackling the harms of misinformation and disinformation, ensuring that efforts to address false information do not stifle public debate or freedom of expression.

The submission highlights the need for multi-faceted policy responses to address the harms of misinformation and disinformation while also recognising that a healthy democracy depends on the ability to challenge dominant narratives and engage in robust debate.

Impacts of misinformation and disinformation

Spreading false information about climate change can undermine public debate, informed policy and, in turn, the realisation of the right to a healthy, clean and sustainable environment.

How misinformation and disinformation is spread

Socialmedia platforms amplify climate-related misinformation and disinformation through algorithms that promote content based on engagement rather than quality content. This enables false and misleading information to spread rapidly. Some people, including foreign actors, deliberately use bots, trolls and deepfake technology to distort informed public debate and democratic participation.

Responses to the issue

Australia needs a mix of approaches that require transparency of online services, promote digital literacy, and foster quality research and media. Laws addressing misinformation and disinformation must be grounded in human rights principles and strike the right balance between tackling misinformation and disinformation while promoting transparency and free speech.

Recommendations

The Commission makes 5 key recommendations that the Australian Government:

• support independent research into the prevalence and impact of climate-related misinformation and disinformation, with a focus on human rights implications.

• response to misinformation and disinformation be grounded in human rights law – with sufficient protections for freedom of expression.

• strengthen transparency requirements for digital platforms, including improved access to data on the prevalence and impact of misinformation and disinformation.

• increase investment in targeted digital literacy programs, with a particular focus on helping individuals critically assess online information, understand algorithmic content curation, and identify misinformation and disinformation.

• legislate an AI Act.