Elon Musk, the founder of social networking platform X, has called Australia’s centre-left government “fascists” in response to new legislation aimed at combating the spread of disinformation online.
The bill, presented on Thursday, may fine internet firms up to 5% of their global sales if they fail to prevent the spread of dangerous lies.
Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech advocate, responded to the news with a one-word post: “Fascists”.
Elon Musk’s comment sparked criticism from government MPs, including Government Services Minister Bill Shorten, who stated, “Elon Musk has more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra…” He’ll shut it all down if he doesn’t like it.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland justified the measure, saying, “This bill improves the transparency and accountability of platforms for users and the Australian people.”
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones added, “Social media platforms should not publish scam content, deepfake materials, and livestream violence in the name of free speech.”
The proposed law compels tech platforms to create codes of conduct to avoid misinformation and have them authorised by a regulator. Failure to comply may result in penalty.
The proposed regulation requires tech platforms to create codes of conduct to fight misinformation and have them authorised by a regulator.
Failure to comply might result in significant fines, in an effort to hold social media firms accountable for their part in spreading misleading information.
This is the second time Musk has clashed with the Australian government.
In April, X contested a cyber regulator’s request to erase tweets concerning a stabbing event in Sydney, causing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call Musk a “arrogant billionaire”.
Following a loss in federal court, the regulator discontinued its challenge against X.