Australia’s digital platforms ramp up misinformation safeguards according to 2025 disinformation reports
New transparency reports show platforms are investing in combatting misinformation.
The announcement:
Australia’s major digital platforms are doubling down on their efforts to tackle misinformation and strengthen the online content environment, according to new 2025 transparency reports released today under the Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation.
The reports show platforms are continuing to invest in proactive AI tools, entering into new multi-stakeholder partnerships and collaborations, and introducing new labels and safeguards around AI-generated content, especially during elections.
DIGI managing director Sunita Bose said the industry remains strongly committed to combating misinformation while further strengthening public transparency.
“These reports show just how seriously platforms are taking their responsibilities to protect Australians from harmful mis- and disinformation online.
“Whether it’s combating malicious disinformation campaigns, strengthening election integrity or expanding the deployment of labelling tools for AI-generated material, signatories are investing heavily in protecting people from the spread of harmful mis- and disinformation.”
Key themes across the 2024 transparency reports include:
AI transparency and labelling: Google extended its SynthID watermarking to text and video, while Meta, TikTok and Adobe enhanced AI labelling and provenance tools.
Election integrity: Meta, TikTok and Google implemented targeted policies during the 2024 global election cycle. Microsoft launched initiatives in Australia including a dedicated escalation point, misinformation training for 150 individuals, and a new reporting site for deceptive AI election content.
Supporting authoritative content: Signatories promoted reliable content sources to improve the information ecosystem.
Transparency initiatives: Expanded reporting on generative AI across many platforms.
Platform-specific innovations included:
- Google: Joined the global C2PA coalition, expanded SynthID watermarking, and updated YouTube’s privacy request process to include synthetic content.
- Meta: Rolled out AI-generated content labels and partnered with AAP FactCheck in a campaign reaching 2.5 million Australians.
- TikTok: Removed over 20,000 misinformation videos and became the first video platform to implement C2PA Content Credentials.
- Adobe: Grew its Content Authenticity Initiative to over 4,500 members, promoting “nutrition label” content credentials.
Key statistics from 2024:
- YouTube removed 5,169 videos from Australian IP addresses for misinformation, spam, or scam policy violations.
- TikTok maintained over 95% proactive misinformation removal rates in Australia.
The reports highlight the importance of cross-industry collaboration in addressing misinformation. Meta funded independent research on the 2023 Voice Referendum and adult media literacy, while Microsoft and Google supported AI ethics and media literacy programs.
New independent reviewer appointed
DIGI has appointed Shaun Davies as the new independent reviewer of the Code, replacing Hal Crawford, who now serves as editorial director at Mumbrella. Davies brings two decades of experience in AI policy, media strategy, and content moderation, including work at Microsoft and academic research at UTS.
Davies said: “The transparency reports are a vital mechanism to understand how tech platforms are meeting their commitments under the Code, and where we can continue to improve. Striking a balance between user safety and free speech is a difficult job. I’m heartened by how platforms are enhancing visibility of AI-generated content and using AI to detect disinformation.”
Looking ahead, DIGI and signatories will undertake a planned review of the code in H2 2025, incorporating ACMA’s recommendations on transparency, governance, and complaints handling.
Transparency reports are available at: digi.org.au/disinformation-code/transparency
DIGI’s annual report is available at: digi.org.au/disinformation-code/governance
Source: The Shape Agency
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