Elon Musk’s SpaceX to Take Legal Action Against Australian Regulator’s Worldwide Content Removal Order
Australian authorities are cracking down on online content following two major stabbing incidents. Elon Musk’s X and Australia’s eSafety commissioner are at odds over demands to remove footage of a Sydney church stabbing that was live-streamed on social media.
The eSafety Commissioner requested platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta to take down videos showing violent content within 24 hours following the attack on an Orthodox Christian bishop. Despite some compliance, authorities are not satisfied and are invoking powers under the Online Safety Act to compel removal of such extreme material.
However, X opposed a ‘global takedown’ order issued by Australian authorities, arguing that it goes beyond the country’s laws. The company is challenging this order in court, emphasizing the importance of a free and open internet and protecting free speech.
The incident at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney shocked many, with a 16-year-old boy stabbing the bishop during a live-streamed sermon. The attacker’s motivations led police to classify it as a terrorist act, sparking a riot outside the church.
Despite these challenges, X has also faced legal battles over content related to transgender individuals. The company engaged with the eSafety commissioner regarding a post deemed degrading to transgender people, highlighting ongoing concerns about content moderation and free speech online.
