Albanese Slams Musk’s Ego and Censorship Accusations over Church Stabbing Videos
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly condemned Elon Musk’s accusations of censorship following an injunction to remove videos of the Sydney church stabbing.
The eSafety Commissioner obtained the injunction to force X to take down graphic content related to the attack, which Musk has criticized as an unlawful attempt to regulate beyond Australia’s borders.
Albanese has dismissed Musk’s comments, stating that he will not accept lectures on free speech from billionaires who prioritize their own egos over common decency. The government maintains that the violent nature of the videos has the potential to radicalize people, while Musk argues that the issue lies in Australia’s demand for global censorship.
Background
Following the livestreaming of the Sydney church stabbing, which resulted in a riot and injuries to police and paramedics, the eSafety Commissioner ordered tech platforms to remove all graphic content related to the attack. Meta complied, however X rebuffed demands, claiming that the commissioner’s take-down orders were unlawful and dangerous.
The eSafety commissioner subsequently launched a Federal Court bid to force X to comply with the order, resulting in an interim injunction that ordered the videos to be removed within 24 hours.
Debate and Reactions
Musk has been a leading voice in the debate on censorship, regularly posting criticism against Australia’s take-down orders. He has argued that the issue lies in Australia requesting the video be taken down globally beyond its borders.
Albanese has spoken firmly against Musk’s conduct, stating that he would not be lectured to by billionaires about free speech. Labor colleagues as well as Liberal politicians have echoed his anger.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan is one of the few Australian politicians speaking in favor of Musk’s refusal to take down posts, arguing that the government should not try to police people’s speech.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The eSafety Commission will seek a permanent injunction and civil penalties against X, with a further hearing scheduled in the Federal Court. Through the Online Safety Act, daily fines of up to $782,000 could be imposed.
