X owner Elon Musk has labelled Australia's centre-left government as "fascists" over proposed legislation to fine social media firms for failing to curb the spread of misinformation online. The Labour Department of the Australian government on Thursday unveiled legislation that could fine internet platforms up to 5 per cent of their global revenue for enabling misinformation. The proposed legislation would mandate tech platforms to establish codes of conduct aimed at preventing the spread of harmful misinformation, subject to approval by a regulatory body. If a platform fails to implement its own standards, the regulator would impose its own and penalize companies for failing to comply.
Musk reacted to a story by Reuters about misinformation law with just one word, i.e., "Fascists."
Communications Minister spokesperson Michelle Rowland, via email, said that companies operating in Australia must comply with the laws there. The spokesperson said, “This bill improves the transparency and accountability of platforms for users and the Australian people.”
Lawmakers Slam Musk
Elon Musk's comment on the push against misinformation led to other lawmakers slamming him. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten told Channel Nine’s breakfast show, “Elon Musk’s had more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra. When it’s in its commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech and when he doesn’t like it … he’s going to shut it all down.”
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones emphasized on ABC television that social media platforms should not allow scam content, deepfakes, or live-streamed violence under the guise of free speech.
Earlier this year, X (formerly Twitter) clashed with the Australian government after refusing to globally remove posts related to a bishop's stabbing in Sydney, despite complying with a local block. This led Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to label Elon Musk an "arrogant billionaire." The legal dispute with the cyber regulator was later dropped following a setback in federal court.