Australian Bitcoin Body Challenges ABC Over Bitcoin Report
- ABIB alleges ABC overstated Bitcoin’s criminal use and ignored updated global data.
- The complaint indicates omitted institutional adoption and real-world Bitcoin use cases.
- ABC has 60 days to respond, or the issue may escalate to ACMA for formal review.
The Australian Bitcoin Industry Body (ABIB) has filed a formal complaint, alleging that ABC News published a Bitcoin article with factual errors and one-sided framing. The group said the report overstated criminal use, ignored documented global use cases, and breached the broadcaster’s editorial rules. ABIB filed the complaint to prompt corrections and ensure accurate reporting.
Complaint Targets Claims of Criminal Use
ABIB said the ABC article relied heavily on outdated claims that presented Bitcoin as a tool for criminals, despite newer data showing otherwise. The group cited Chainalysis’ 2025 crypto crime report, which found that only 0.14% of on-chain Bitcoin transactions were related to possible criminal activity in 2024. However, ABIB noted that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates 3.6% of global GDP is linked to criminal proceeds flowing mostly through the traditional financial system.
This comparison introduced a wider concern about how data was presented in the ABC report. According to ABIB, the article suggested that Bitcoin remained a central option for crime gangs and some governments operating out of sight.
However, ABIB argued that even ABC’s own quote admitted that stablecoins, especially Tether, have overtaken that role. The group said this contrast shows incomplete context within the broadcaster’s claims and shows a broader pattern of selective framing.
The complaint also pointed to frustration from Australians who contact ABIB about recurring misrepresentation. ABIB said publicly funded institutions carry obligations to deliver accurate and impartial news, which makes the alleged errors more significant. This ongoing push from the public added further urgency to the industry body’s decision to file the complaint.
Broader Use Cases Left Out of the ABC Report
ABIB said the article overlooked well-documented global and local examples of Bitcoin use. These include energy-grid stabilisation programs, humanitarian remittance channels, and merchant payments.
The group said the article also failed to acknowledge the increasing number of sovereign entities that hold Bitcoin as reserves. This omission, according to ABIB, narrowed the report to outdated storylines.
The complaint also highlighted accelerating institutional adoption, particularly through publicly traded companies, investment funds, and government holdings. These institutions now hold more than 3.7 million BTC worth over $341 billion. This information, ABIB said, directly disputes the ABC’s claim that Bitcoin has not achieved its goal as a store of value.
The group also referenced Vanguard’s recent decision to allow customers to trade crypto ETFs. ABIB said this shift, especially from a firm previously opposed to crypto products, reinforces the need for accurate reporting about changing institutional positions. Including such developments would have provided audiences with a fuller picture.
Related: Australia Proposes Crypto Licensing Under Financial Laws
ABC Given 60 Days to Respond
ABIB’s submission includes the sentences it believes breach editorial policy, along with the specific sections of the broadcaster’s guidelines that apply. The group said it wants ABC to issue corrections, make the necessary updates, and consult subject-matter experts in future coverage. This step aims to reduce recurring errors that appear across mainstream platforms.
Under the ABC Code of Practice, the broadcaster has 60 days to respond to formal complaints. If ABC does not respond or if ABIB finds the reply inadequate, the matter can escalate to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA can investigate and, if needed, issue warnings, infringement notices, or take licensing action.
This complaint follows ongoing concern within the Australian crypto sector about how digital assets appear in mainstream news. A July study from Perception reported that 28% of crypto articles across major local outlets carried negative framing. ABIB said this pattern contributes to a broader misunderstanding among the public, which often leads to questions directed to the industry body.
Meanwhile, ABIB’s complaint shows concerns about incomplete context, reliance on outdated claims, and omission of documented Bitcoin use cases. The group also challenged several statements about criminal activity by pointing to recent Chainalysis data and industry adoption figures. With the ABC now required to respond, the process moves into a formal review period that could involve ACMA if the matter escalates.
