Owner of social media platform X, Elon Musk, has labeled Australia’s centre-left government “fascists” in response to proposed legislation aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation online.
The bill, unveiled on Thursday, could fine internet platforms up to 5% of their global revenue for failing to prevent the spread of dangerous falsehoods.
Musk, a self-proclaimed champion of free speech, reacted to the news with a one-word post: “Fascists”.
His comment drew swift criticism from government lawmakers, with Government Services Minister Bill Shorten saying, “Elon Musk’s had more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra… He’s going to shut it all down when he doesn’t like it.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland defended the legislation, said, “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 requires tech platforms to establish codes of conduct to prevent misinformation and be approved by a regulator. Failure to comply could result in fines.
The proposed law required tech platforms to establish codes of conduct to prevent misinformation and be approved by a regulator.
Failure to comply could result in substantial fines, a move aimed at holding social media giants accountable for their role in disseminating false information.
This latest controversy marks the second time Musk has clashed with the Australian government.
In April, X challenged a cyber regulator’s order to remove posts about a stabbing incident in Sydney, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to label Musk an “arrogant billionaire”.
The regulator later dropped its challenge against X after a setback in the federal court.
Boluwatife Enome
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