The Australian government's latest assault on free speech is barreling toward reality faster than a kangaroo on a caffeine high. Just this week, reports emerged of an exposure draft for sweeping new legislation that would empower the government to cancel visas, seize materials, and crack down on anything they deem "hate speech" or "extremist ideology." While Parliament is set to return on January 30 to debate and likely ram this through, the writing is on the wall: it's the most damaging threat to online free speech we've seen in a decade.
The Albanese Government's bill, unveiled in the wake of last year's Bondi terror attack, targets non-citizens (and potentially anyone on a visa) suspected of advocating hate against a "protected group," displaying "prohibited hate symbols," or associating with "listed extremist organizations." No conviction needed—just "reasonable suspicion." Border Force officers could seize your gear at the airport without a warrant if it smells like Nazi insignia or ISIS swag to them. And get this: it applies to conduct overseas too. Your old tweet? Your social media history? All fair game for visa cancellation or refusal.
This builds on announcements from December 2025, where Prime Minister Albanese promised "aggravated hate speech offences" for preachers and leaders, harsher penalties for online posts, and even listing organizations for promoting "racial hatred" or "advocacy for racial supremacy." Critics like Liberty Victoria are already sounding the alarm: this undermines due process, chills dissent, and could be weaponized against whistleblowers, activists, or anyone who doesn't toe the progressive line on issues like immigration or cultural debates. Universities are sweating over their 600,000 international students— one "outspoken" post, and poof, visa gone. Businesses? They're scrambling to vet employees' social media before sending them Down Under. As one law firm put it, "Your employee's tweet could now become a visa liability."
Why is this the biggest free speech killer in a decade? Think back: We've seen the EU's Digital Services Act, and the U.S.'s endless Section 230 fights. But Australia's move is uniquely insidious because it weaponizes free expression. It's not just fining platforms or forcing content removal—it's exiling people for words. Online, this means tech companies face a tsunami of government takedown requests tied to visa cases. Platforms like ours at Gab, which exist to protect uncensored speech, will be in the crosshairs.
We all know "hate speech" is a slippery slope. Today it's "antisemitism," tomorrow it's criticizing government policy on borders or climate. We've seen it play out in the UK with their Online Safety Act last year, where the government leaned on platforms to hand over user data or face fines—leading to shadowbans and deplatforming sprees. Germany? They've been fining Gab for "hate" posts for years under the NetzDG law and turning X (formerly Twitter) and others into extensions of the state censor.
At Gab, we're drawing a line in the sand.
Our promise to our Australian users: We will not comply with data requests related to this new bill from the Australian government, just as we refuse to bow to other foreign governments like the UK's or Germany's. We built Gab as a bastion of free speech because Big Tech and Big Brother won't. Expect retaliation—blocks, fines, or worse, à la the UK's threats against us last year or Germany's ongoing harassment. But we're ready. Free speech isn't negotiable.
This fight isn't Gab's alone—it's yours. We rely 100% on support from Gabbers to keep the lights on and the servers humming. In preparation for the inevitable pushback from Canberra, we need the community to step up:
- Upgrade to GabPRO: Unlock premium features like advanced analytics and priority support for just a few bucks a month.
- Make a donation: Every dollar fuels our legal defenses and infrastructure.
- Run ads for your business on Gab: Reach a freedom-loving audience without the censorship.
- Upgrade to Gab AI Plus: Get unlimited access to Arya and our truth-seeking AI tools.
- Shop the Gab Store: Grab merch that shows your support—hats, shirts, and more.
Australia's bill hasn't passed yet (Parliament reconvenes soon), but the clock is ticking. If you're in Oz or elsewhere, join the resistance. Share this post, rally your networks, and contribute today. Free speech online hangs by a thread—let's not let them cut it.
Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab
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