Musk calls Australian government ‘fascists’ over disinformation law

By Renju Jose

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, called Australia’s centre-left government “fascists” on Friday over proposed legislation to fine social media companies for failing to prevent the spread of misinformation online.

Australia’s Labor government unveiled a bill on Thursday that could fine internet platforms up to 5% of their global revenue for enabling the spread of disinformation, part of a global movement to clamp down on tech giants without borders.

The proposed law would require tech platforms to establish codes of conduct to stop the spread of dangerous falsehoods and seek regulatory approval. The regulator would set its own standard if a platform fails to do so and fine companies for non-compliance.

Musk, who considers himself a defender of free speech, responded to a post by user X linking to a Reuters article about disinformation laws with one word: “Fascists.”

A spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said in an email that companies operating in Australia must comply with Australian laws.

“This bill improves transparency and accountability of platforms for users and Australians,” Rowland said.

Musk’s comments on combating disinformation were met with criticism and derision from other government lawmakers.

“Elon Musk has had more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra. When it’s in his commercial interest he’s a defender of free speech, and when he doesn’t like it… he’s going to shut it all down,” Government Services Minister Bill Shorten told Channel Nine’s morning show.

Social media platforms should not be allowed to publish fraudulent content, deepfakes or live streaming of violence in the name of free speech, Deputy Treasurer Stephen Jones told ABC.

In a previous dispute with the Australian government, X went to court in April to challenge the cybersecurity regulator’s decision to remove some posts about the stabbing of a Sydney bishop, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call Musk an “arrogant billionaire.”

The regulator later withdrew its complaint against X after it failed in federal court.

X prevented Australian users from viewing the posts about the stabbing but declined to remove them globally, arguing that one country’s laws should not control the internet.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Sonali Paul)