Tech billionaire Elon Musk has labeled the Australian government as “fascists” in response to new legislation aimed at combating the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
The law, introduced by Australia’s center-left Labor government, proposes significant fines for tech companies that fail to prevent the dissemination of false or misleading information online.
The legislation would impose penalties of up to 5% of a company’s global revenue if it allows the spread of harmful misinformation. Under the proposal, social media platforms would need to establish codes of conduct to manage false content, subject to oversight by a government regulator. If platforms do not comply, the regulator could set its own standards and fine companies for non-compliance.
Musk, who owns the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), responded to a post discussing the legislation by posting one word: “Fascists.” This comment reflects Musk’s position as an advocate of free speech, often critical of government efforts to regulate online content.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland defended the bill, stating that the law aims to enhance transparency and accountability for social media companies, ensuring that platforms operate in line with Australian regulations.
“This bill improves the transparency and accountability of platforms for users and the Australian people,” she said.
The proposed legislation has sparked a wider debate about the balance between free speech and the need to limit harmful misinformation. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten criticized Musk’s stance, accusing the billionaire of being inconsistent in his views on free speech.
“When it’s in his commercial interests, he’s the champion of free speech, and when he doesn’t like it, he’s going to shut it all down,” Shorten remarked during a television interview.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones also weighed in, defending the government’s actions as a matter of national sovereignty. He dismissed Musk’s criticism as “crackpot stuff,” emphasizing that social media platforms should not allow content such as deepfakes, child pornography, or live-streamed violence in the name of free speech.
This is not Musk’s first conflict with the Australian government. In April, X took legal action against Australia’s eSafety commissioner after being ordered to remove posts related to a violent incident in Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously called Musk an “arrogant billionaire” during that dispute.
With input from New York Post, the Guardian, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Fortune.
