Elon Musk Criticizes Australian eSafety Commissioner Over Stabbing Video Removal Request

Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has criticized the Australian eSafety Commissioner for requesting the removal of content related to a recent stabbing incident in a church in Sydney. Musk claims that the content had already been removed for Australian users, suggesting that the Commissioner's request was unnecessary.

The non-fatal attack at the church was deemed an act of terrorism by religious extremism and sparked riots outside the church. The Australian court ordered the removal of the footage, which Musk called censorship. X blocked the posts for its Australian users, but the eSafety Commissioner demanded the videos be removed for all X users globally.

Musk argued that if any country is allowed to censor content worldwide, it could lead to the entire internet being controlled. He said the content is stored only on US servers and that X has already censored the content for Australia, with a legal appeal pending.

Why this matters: This case highlights the legal and ethical complexities around global content moderation on social media platforms. The outcome could set a precedent for how countries can regulate online content and the extent of their jurisdiction over global tech companies.

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Musk an "arrogant billionaire who is above the law" and said the country would take necessary steps to deal with him. Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley said she backs the eSafety commissioner 100% and is disappointed by the approach Musk is taking with the platform.

The eSafety Commissioner argued that the posts were still accessible outside Australia and could be viewed by Australian users via a VPN. The court extended the interim injunction and ordered the posts to be hidden until May 10, 2024, when the court will hear the injunction.

Musk has approached top Sydney silk Bret Walker, SC, to represent X in the legal battle. X has submitted an affidavit from the bishop who was allegedly stabbed, stating that he gives permission for the content to be shared and remain online. The case is set for an interlocutory hearing on May 10, where X will contest the prohibitions. Failure to comply with the court's ruling could result in X being fined up to $800,000 per day and its executives being held in contempt of court.

Key Takeaways

• Elon Musk criticizes Australian eSafety Commissioner over content removal request.
• Australian court ordered removal of church stabbing video, Musk calls it censorship.
• Musk argues global content censorship could lead to internet control, legal appeal pending.
• Australian PM calls Musk "arrogant billionaire", court extends injunction until May 2024.
• Failure to comply could result in X being fined up to $800,000 per day.