SYDNEY – Tech mogul Elon Musk has likened the Australian government to “fascists”, attacking proposed laws that would fine social media giants for failing to stem the spread of misinformation.

Australia introduced a “combating misinformation” Bill on Sept 12 that includes sweeping powers to fine tech giants up to 5 per cent of their yearly turnover for breaching online safety obligations.

“Fascists,” posted Mr Musk in a one-word reply on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, which he owns.

A spokesperson for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said by e-mail that companies operating in Australia must comply with Australian laws.

“This Bill improves the transparency and accountability of platforms for users and the Australian people,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Musk’s comment on the push against misinformation drew criticism and ridicule from Australian lawmakers.

“Elon Musk has had more positions on free speech than the Kama Sutra. When it’s in its commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech and when he doesn’t like it... he’s going to shut it all down,” Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said during Channel Nine’s breakfast show.

Social media platforms should not publish scam content, deepfake materials and live-stream violence in the name of free speech, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones told ABC television.

As it is, Mr Musk’s salvo threatens to rekindle his long-running spat with the Australian government.

The country’s online watchdog took Mr Musk’s company to court earlier in 2024, alleging it had failed to remove “extremely violent” videos that showed a Sydney preacher being stabbed.

But it abruptly dropped its attempt to force a global takedown order on X after Mr Musk scored a legal victory in a preliminary hearing, a move he celebrated as a triumph for free speech.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant – a former Twitter employee – has said Mr Musk’s takeover of Twitter coincided with a rise in “toxicity and hate” on the platform.

Mr Musk has also been butting heads in Brazil, where a judge has effectively suspended X after it ignored a series of court directives.

Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to regulate social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans earlier this week to ban children from social media until they are at least 14 years old. AFP, REUTERS