Staff Reports
Elon Musk’s social media platform X triumphed in a legal battle in Australia this week when a court denied a request to continue blocking videos of a stabbing incident at a Sydney church. The court ruled against Australia’s online watchdog, the eSafety Commissioner, which wanted to extend a temporary order to remove posts displaying the attack on a priest that occurred last month.
The Federal Court decided not to lengthen the injunction that required social media company X, previously known as Twitter, to conceal videos of the stabbing globally. The eSafety Commissioner had been pushing for the removal of around 60 instances of the footage showing the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel in Western Sydney. The Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has the authority under the Online Safety Act to demand the removal of specific materials online.
The war of words between Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese and Elon Musk has intensified – with the PM slamming Mr Musk as arrogant, ego-driven, and above the law for refusing to comply with the eSafety Commissioner’s censorship demands.
I dunno, perhaps Mr Musk just has… pic.twitter.com/jzVWzCJxmX
— Free Speech Union of Australia (@FSUofAustralia) April 22, 2024
Despite the temporary legal injunction granted to the eSafety Commissioner following the livestreamed sermon incident where Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed, X chose to “geoblock” the posts instead of removing them globally. This move prevented most Australian users from viewing the content in question. Elon Musk, the owner of X, expressed concerns about government censorship and emphasized the importance of resisting undue influence on content sharing across borders.
The victory for X in this legal battle is a win for free speech and internet freedom against government overreach. Elon Musk’s stance against global censorship and his refusal to comply with the eSafety Commissioner’s demands highlight the importance of individual liberties and the limits of government control. This case sheds light on the dangers of authoritarian measures, as seen in Australia’s strict lockdown policies during the pandemic. Musk’s defiance serves as a reminder that individuals and businesses must stand firm against encroachments on basic rights and freedoms.
