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Tech mogul Elon Musk has criticized the Australian government, calling them “fascists,” over proposed laws imposing fines on social media platforms for not curbing misinformation. Australia’s new bill can fine tech giants up to five percent of their annual turnover for not meeting online safety standards.
Musk’s one-word response on his platform X (formerly Twitter), where he called the government “fascists,” reignited tensions. The online watchdog accused Musk’s company of not removing violent videos of a Sydney preacher but later dropped the case. Musk celebrated a legal win for free speech.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, a former Twitter employee, linked Musk’s ownership to increased toxicity on the platform. Musk also faced challenges in Brazil, where X was suspended for defying court orders. Australia is leading efforts to regulate social media, with plans to restrict social media access for children under 14.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)