Elon Musk Calls Australian Government “Fascists” Over Social Media Misinformation Fines
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has sparked controversy by criticizing the Australian government as “fascists” for proposing fines on social media platforms that allow the spread of misinformation. The proposed legislation by Australia’s Labor Party government aims to penalize platforms up to 5 percent of their global annual revenue for sharing content deemed false or harmful.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland defended the law, emphasizing the danger misinformation poses to society. Musk’s one-word response, “Fascists”, to a post about the law drew criticism from Government Services Minister Bill Shorten, questioning Musk’s commitment to free speech.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones also rebuked Musk, asserting the law’s importance for national sovereignty. The clash with Australian officials reflects Musk’s previous legal battles over content removal, including a dispute in April with the eSafety commissioner.
This latest confrontation highlights the ongoing debate over free speech, responsibility, and regulation in the digital age.