Musk calls Australian government ‘fascists’ over disinformation law

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

Australia’s Labor government introduced a bill in parliament on Thursday that could fine internet platforms up to 5% of their global revenue for enabling disinformation, joining 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.”

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.”

Musk’s latest criticism of the country’s fight against disinformation has drawn criticism from government lawmakers, with Deputy Treasurer Stephen Jones calling his comments a “bizarre statement.”

“This is about sovereignty and whether it’s the Australian government or any other government in the world, we reaffirm our right to make laws that keep Australians safe,” Jones told ABC television.

He added that social media platforms should not publish deceptive content, deepfakes or live streaming of violence in the name of free speech.

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