This week, we go deep on misinformation.

We start by breaking down some new academic research into the effect of Facebook and its algorithms on polarisation, and challenge some of the reporting on the key takeaways from the research.

We also explore Australia's proposed misinformation bill and discuss its merits and the commentary surrounding the bill.

Links:

Nature blog on research (Nature) https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02420-z

Article about research into Meta's impact on polarisation (Atlantic) https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/07/meta-facebook-political-polarization-studies/674841/

Nick Clegg blog on research (Meta) https://about.fb.com/news/2023/07/research-social-media-impact-elections/

Previous Nick Clegg blog (Medium) https://nickclegg.medium.com/you-and-the-algorithm-it-takes-two-to-tango-7722b19aa1c2

Analysis of research findings (Tech Policy Press) https://techpolicy.press/what-can-we-learn-from-the-first-studies-of-facebooks-and-instagrams-roles-in-the-us-2020-election/

Article about "Ministry of Truth" claims (SMH) https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/laws-no-ministry-of-truth-minister-defends-proposed-misinformation-laws-20230714-p5docy.html

Rod Sims op-ed (AFR) https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/making-big-tech-combat-disinformation-is-no-threat-to-free-speech-20230724-p5dqoy

Article about Aus Government misinformation laws (Guardian) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-25/fines-to-punish-online-misinformation-under-new-draft-bill/102521500

Credits:

Music by Bensound.com