Elon Musk, the owner of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has publicly criticized the Australian government’s new initiative aimed at combating the spread of misinformation online. Musk labeled the Australian authorities as “fascists” on Friday in response to a proposed bill that would impose significant fines on social media companies for failing to curb misinformation on their platforms.
The legislation, presented by Australian Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, would levy fines of up to 5 percent of a company’s global revenue. This comes as part of a broader international push to regulate digital platforms more rigorously. Under the proposed law, social media platforms would be required to develop and implement codes of conduct to prevent misinformation. If they fail to do so, the Australian regulator would have the authority to set its own standards and impose penalties on non-compliant companies . .
Rowland defended the bill, stating that it targets information that is “seriously harmful and verifiably false.” She further clarified that the Australian Communications and Media Authority would not have the power to remove individual posts . Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to Musk’s remarks, emphasizing the social responsibility of social media companies, and suggesting that Musk’s criticism speaks more about his perspectives than about the government’s actions . Services Minister Bill Shorten added his voice to the debate, accusing Musk of championing free speech only when it benefits him, and seeking to shut down regulations that do not align with his views .
This is not the first clash between X and the Australian government. In April, X contested a government order to remove posts related to the stabbing of a Sydney bishop. The platform restricted access to the contentious content within Australia but refused to delete the posts globally. A Federal Court judge later declined to extend an injunction that mandated the removal of these articles within Australia .