Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, on Friday, called Australia’s center-left government “fascists” over proposed laws that would issue fines to social media companies should they fail to stop the spread of misinformation.

Australia Labor Government Announced ‘Misinformation’ Law

Australia’s Labor government introduced an announcement to Parliament on Thursday, where it is proposing a new law that may slap internet platforms with penalties of up to 5% of their global revenue for the spread of misinformation. The new law will add Australia to a list of countries working on legislation to control powerful technology companies.

The proposed law would force tech platforms to develop the rules to curb the dissemination of injurious false information, which must be cleared by a regulator. A platform that fails to observe the rules would have the regulator do the job of setting standards and fine the company for failure to comply.

Elon Musk Labels The New Law As ‘Fascists’

Musk, who has cast himself as a champion of free speech, responded to an X user’s post about the Reuters story on the misinformation law with one word: “Fascists.”

Previously, X filed a court hearing in April to oppose an order by an Australian cyber regulator to remove posts about the stabbing of a bishop in Sydney. That case likened Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to an “arrogant billionaire.”

Musk’s Criticism Receives Backlash

Musk’s recent fight against misinformation criticism received backlash from government lawmakers, with Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones labeling his comment as “crackpot stuff.”

Jones told ABC television the issue was about sovereignty, and any government, including Australia, can make laws to protect people. He further said that social media platforms shouldn’t allow scam content, deepfake materials, or livestreamed violence in the name of free speech.