Facebook may have to register as agent of 'foreign influence' in AustraliaSocial media companies including Facebook and Twitter, as well as their users, may have to register as agents of “foreign influence” on Australian politics, Labor has warned. The bill would require people who undertake political, campaigning or lobbying activities “on behalf of foreign principals” to sign up to a public register. Foreign principals include not only foreign governments but also businesses, political organisations and any individual who is not a resident or citizen of Australia. Only activities “within Australia on behalf of a foreign principal for the purpose of political or governmental influence” trigger a requirement to register, the spokesperson said. The special minister of state, Mathias Cormann, said Shorten was being “dishonest”, citing the fact that an earlier Labor bill would have banned foreign gifts to charities.

Source: The Guardian April 17, 2018 02:48 UTC