Australia’s digital-asset sector is facing rising tension with the country’s public broadcaster. The Australian Bitcoin Industry Body (ABIB) has filed an official complaint against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), arguing that a recent article distorted the role of bitcoin and relied on “sensationalist framing” instead of facts. ABC is one of Australia’s most influential media institutions, reaching more than 12 million people each month.

Complaint: bitcoin is not a tool for criminals

The ABC article portrayed bitcoin primarily as a vehicle for criminal activity, with no meaningful utility. According to ABIB, the story contained inaccuracies, omissions, and biased language that violated ABC’s own editorial standards.

“The article misrepresented the purpose of bitcoin, conflated it with crime, ignored long-standing data, and leaned on drama instead of evidence,” ABIB said in a statement. The group argues that ABC breached its code and editorial policy, including requirements for impartiality and accuracy.

Under the rules, public broadcasters have 60 days to respond. If ABC rejects the complaint or fails to reply, the case may be escalated to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which can investigate, issue warnings or fines, or impose licensing consequences.

Data: only 0.14% of on-chain transactions relate to crime

One of the central points of contention is ABC’s assertion that bitcoin is a “useful tool for the underworld.” The article claimed that drug gangs, arms traffickers, and authoritarian regimes rely on the currency – though it noted that this role is increasingly shifting to stablecoins, especially Tether.

However, Chainalysis data suggests the claims are exaggerated. In 2024, potentially illicit transactions made up just 0.14% of total on-chain volume. By comparison, the UN estimates that up to 3.6% of global GDP is linked to criminal activity – mostly in traditional fiat currencies.

Bitcoin as a store of value? Evidence points elsewhere

ABC also argued that bitcoin “has never fulfilled its goals,” lacks real-world use, and is not seen as a reliable store of value. ABIB says this narrative is outdated.

Institutional adoption has grown significantly over the past two years. According to BitBo, publicly traded companies, private firms, governments, and ETF issuers collectively hold more than 3.7 million BTC worth over $341 billion. Even historically skeptical players are entering the space.

Most recently, investment giant Vanguard – the world’s second-largest asset manager – announced that it will allow clients to trade crypto ETFs, opening the market to tens of millions of more conservative investors.

Negative media portrayal persists

The ABC dispute fits into a broader discussion about how digital assets are covered in mainstream media. A Perception analysis showed that in Q2 2024, across 18 tracked outlets, 31% of crypto articles were positive, 41% neutral, and 28% negative.

ABIB says the public routinely contacts them with concerns about misinformation on bitcoin in Australian news coverage. Many of those concerns, they claim, point specifically to public broadcasters. “Bitcoin deserves informed, responsible coverage – not dismissal based on outdated narratives,” the group concludes.

Sources:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-02/bitcoin-losing-to-tether-as-money-launderers-currency-of-choice/106086594

https://iris-au.ipsos.com/rankings/

https://www.transparency.gov.au/publications/communications-and-the-arts/australian-broadcasting-corporation/australian-broadcasting-corporation-annual-report-2018-19/appendices/appendix-4---abc-code-of-practice-(%26-associated-standards)-

https://bitbo.io/treasuries/

https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-lacked-coverage-mass-media-q2-report