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Senators have decided to bring back a committee to investigate the weaponisation of social media by foreign governments to stifle dissent and undermine democracy.
The committee is further expected to closely examine how social media platforms based in authoritarian countries like China and Russia threaten national security.
These social media platforms include TikTok and WeChat.
According to Liberal senator James Paterson, it is necessary to address the ongoing weaponisation of social media, such as the harassment and intimidation of activists who speak out against mistreatment in nations like Iran.
A recent study by the Australian National University has revealed that social media companies remain the least trusted institution for data security at a rating of 2.94 out of 10.
Paterson said, “Australia led the world with its foreign interference, espionage and influence reforms of 2018, which are now being adopted by like-minded countries around the world.”
“But cyber-enabled foreign interference is a unique challenge which requires further reforms,” he said.
The committee will also investigate how countries such as China and Russia utilise social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to propagate disinformation.
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It will then provide the government with policy suggestions based on the findings from said investigation.
The committee will report by August 1, 2023.
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
