SYDNEY: Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, on Friday criticized Australia’s center-left government and called “fascists” in response to proposed legislation aimed at imposing fines on social media companies for failing to curb misinformation online.
The Australian Labor government introduced a bill to Parliament on Thursday that could penalize internet platforms up to 5% of their global revenue for allowing the spread of misinformation. This move is part of a global effort to regulate powerful tech giants.
The proposed law would require tech platforms to establish codes of conduct to prevent the dissemination of harmful falsehoods, which must be approved by a regulator. If platforms fail to comply, the regulator could impose fines based on its own standards.
Musk, who positions himself as a defender of free speech, responded to an X user’s post linking to a Reuters article about the misinformation law with a single word: “Fascists.” In April, X challenged an Australian cyber regulator’s order to remove certain posts about the stabbing of a bishop in Sydney, leading Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to label Musk an “arrogant billionaire.”
Musk’s recent comments on the misinformation legislation drew criticism from government officials. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones dismissed Musk’s remarks as “crackpot stuff,” emphasizing that the legislation is about national sovereignty. “Whether it’s the Australian government or any other government around the world, we assert our right to enact laws that protect our citizens,” Jones told ABC television, adding that social media platforms should not be venues for scams, deepfake content, or livestreamed violence under the guise of free speech.
