Musk takes on eSafety tsar in court over content duty
Social media platform X is back in court sparring with the eSafety Commissioner over keeping Australians safe online.
The latest challenge was filed with the Federal Court on Wednesday.
"eSafety is aware X has filed a judicial review in the Federal Court as to whether eSafety's Relevant Electronic Services (RES) standard should apply to its X platform," a spokesperson for the regulator said on Thursday.
"The RES standard requires online platforms to take meaningful action to tackle the worst of the worst online content, including child exploitation and abuse material.
"eSafety is prioritising its efforts on ensuring all platforms and services meet their obligations under the Online Safety Act to address high-impact and harmful content to keep Australians safe online."
It is not the first time controversial billionaire Elon Musk, who owns X Corp, has been involved in a legal tit-for-tat with Australian authorities.
The online safety regulator issued a financial penalty of $610,500 to X in February 2023, alleging the social network failed to adequately respond to questions about how it tackled harmful content on its platform, including child sexual abuse material.
X Corp appealed, in ongoing court proceedings, arguing it did not exist when the commissioner issued a transparency notice to Twitter regarding child sexual abuse material.
In April 2024, the commissioner issued an edict to X, formerly known as Twitter, to remove graphic content after clips of Sydney Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel being stabbed remained on the platform.
During the months-long saga, Mr Musk accused the Australian government of suppressing free speech.
He called the Australian government "fascists" over attempts to tackle deliberate lies spread on social media.
Several politicians hit back, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelling Mr Musk an "arrogant billionaire".
The safety commissioner later discontinued the Federal Court proceedings.
The agency said it was assessing the latest court documents filed by X Corp and would consider its next steps.
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"I've had different comments over the years, from people I know pretty well, along the lines of 'You're so lucky, sweet job, it must be nice to work every three years, then it's pina coladas and away you go' and maybe that's okay. "Australians love their electoral system, they trust the AEC greatly, and maybe that's a good thing, that it's seen as unremarkable." And that's the thing about the King's Birthday honours - they're a chance to shine a light on the things that make our ordinary and everyday lives easy, or straightforward, or successful. Mr Rogers is in distinguished company this year, with the likes of broadcaster Phillip Adams, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to the media, the arts, cultural leadership and the community, alongside husband-and-wife creative powerhouse Baz Lurhmann and Catherine Martin, for eminent service to the arts. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed AC, routine postnominals for former holders of the nation's top office, but an honour that will not pass without some criticism. Former model and television host Deborah Hutton, who had two skin cancers removed from her face and advocated for sun safety, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health and to media. There are many extraordinary people living throughout our communities, and the King's Birthday is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. Much like elections, a rich and varied life doesn't happen automatically, or without effort. Despite their seeming ubiquity in Australian life, elections don't just happen. 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Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed AC, routine postnominals for former holders of the nation's top office, but an honour that will not pass without some criticism. Former model and television host Deborah Hutton, who had two skin cancers removed from her face and advocated for sun safety, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health and to media. There are many extraordinary people living throughout our communities, and the King's Birthday is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. Much like elections, a rich and varied life doesn't happen automatically, or without effort.
