Meta's Removal of Fact-Checking Sparks Concerns Over Misinformation in Australia

Google is currently embroiled in two class-action lawsuits in Australia, with publishers alleging that the tech giant is abusing its dominant position in the digital advertising market, thus adversely affecting their advertising revenue. The claims were presented in a federal court in Melbourne on January 31, 2025, with law firm Piper Alderman representing publications such as LGBTQ+ outlet QNews. One regional newspaper, Riverine Grazier, reported that its ad earnings from Google have dwindled to as low as $20 per month. The lawsuits assert that Google's practices have resulted in unfairly reduced ad revenue for publishers. An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report indicated that Google significantly influences the ad tech supply chain, often taking up to a 27% cut from ad sales. In response, Google contends that the accusations overlook the competitive nature of the advertising market, arguing that its tools help support publishers and businesses alike. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2025.

Timothy Malcolm Rowland, a 40-year-old man diagnosed with "sexsomnia," was acquitted of raping a woman in his Sydney apartment in August 2022. Rowland had claimed that he was experiencing a medical episode characterized by sexual behavior during sleep at the time of the incident. The jury reached the not guilty verdict after a seven-day trial, during which Judge John Pickering emphasized that the court should not determine criminal liability based on actions performed while unconscious. The case stemmed from an evening where Rowland and the woman spent time together before returning to his apartment. Following their night out, the woman fell asleep in Rowland's bed, and she alleged that she awoke to find him engaging in sexual activity without her consent. While the woman's sleep was undisputed, the central issue for the jury was whether Rowland was genuinely unaware of his actions due to his condition at the time. Judge Pickering cautioned the jurors against creating laws regarding unconscious actions and urged them to focus solely on the evidence presented in court.

The Queensland government has announced a ban on puberty blockers for new patients at the state's only gender clinic, a move criticized as "discriminatory" by LGBTQI advocates and health officials. Anna Cody, Australia's sex discrimination commissioner, warned that the decision could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of children seeking gender-affirming care, stating it may create trauma for those awaiting treatment. Health Minister Tim Nicholls explained that the ban will remain until an independent review of puberty blockers and hormone therapy is completed, prompted by concerns over inadequate medical support at the Cairns Sexual Health Service. The local health authority confirmed an internal review identified "process issues" but found no evidence of patient harm. Rachel Hines, CEO of Open Doors Youth Service, echoed concerns, highlighting that the ban disproportionately affects trans youth who require life-saving medication. Although children can still receive puberty blockers for other medical conditions, approximately 491 individuals on the waiting list for gender dysphoria treatment may face significant delays. The Australian Human Rights Commission is expected to engage with the state government regarding these concerns.