Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has likened the Australian government to “fascists”, attacking proposed laws that would punish social networks for failing to stop the spread of misinformation.
Australia has unveiled an “anti-disinformation” law that includes the option to fine tech giants up to five percent of their annual turnover for breaching online security obligations.
“Fascists”, wrote Mask on his “X” platform.
“When it’s in his commercial interest, he’s the biggest supporter of free speech. And when he doesn’t like it, he’ll shut it all down,” Australian Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said.
Australia’s internet regulator sued Musk’s company earlier this year, alleging it failed to remove “extremely violent” videos showing a Sydney preacher being stabbed.
The Australian agency dropped its attempt to force a global order to take down the “X” network after Musk won a legal victory at a preliminary hearing, which he celebrated as a triumph for free speech.
