Page:Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021.pdf/75

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FOREIGN INTERFERENCE (COUNTERMEASURES)
75


(3) A Part 3 direction that is addressed to a public authority is sufficiently served if it is served on the chief executive (however described) of the public authority in accordance with subsection (1).

(4) A Part 3 direction that is served—

(a) in accordance with subsection (1) takes effect when it is served;
(b) in accordance with subsection (2)(a) takes effect when it is served on all the persons in the class in question; and
(c) in accordance with subsection (2)(b) takes effect at the beginning of the day after the date on which subsection (2)(b) has been complied with.

Publicity regarding non-compliance with directions

44.—(1) If the Minister is satisfied that a provider of a social media service, a relevant electronic service or an internet access service does not comply with a Part 3 direction, the Minister may direct a competent authority—

(a) to prepare a statement to that effect; and
(b) to publish the statement on the official website of the competent authority.

(2) If—

(a) a competent authority has prepared a statement under subsection (1) in relation to a provider of a social media service, a relevant electronic service or an internet access service;
(b) the statement has been published on the official website of the competent authority; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that the provider of that service complies with that Part 3 direction,

the competent authority must remove the statement from that official website.

(3) Statements published under this section are protected by absolute privilege.