Elon Musk’s X Targeted by Australian Politicians from All Sides
The Australian government stated that it will not be intimidated by Elon Musk. Meanwhile, the Opposition criticized Musk’s argument on censorship as ‘ridiculous.’
Elon Musk’s X is facing opposition from both the Labor Party and Coalition in Australia due to his legal challenge against the government.
Mr. Musk called Australian eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant the “Australian censorship commissar” after she ordered X to remove posts related to the stabbing of a Christian Bishop.
X plans to challenge this order in court, stating that the posts did not violate its rules on violent speech.
However, Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham criticized Mr. Musk’s censorship argument as “completely ridiculous and preposterous.”
“The standards we expect in everyday life and other forms of media should also apply to the online world,” Mr. Birmingham said on ABC News Breakfast.
The Senator also argued that Mr. Musk’s argument is “irresponsible” given the impact of social media posts on potential terrorists.
This came after Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler affirmed that the government would not be bullied by Elon Musk.
“I think what they’re worried about is the implications for other markets if Australia’s laws are upheld. That’s all the more reason for us to take a stand—it’s crucial for us and for other democracies as well,” Mr. Butler stated during a press conference.
Mr. Butler emphasized that Australia will not be swayed by Elon Musk or any other tech billionaire in ensuring the safety of social media.
