Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismissed claims by X Corp. owner Elon Musk Friday that proposed social media legislation represents a government attempt to control internet access, escalating tensions between the tech billionaire and Australian regulators.
The dispute centers on new legislation introduced Thursday that would impose fines up to AU$150 million ($133 million) on social media platforms including X, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, and Instagram for allowing children under 16 to create accounts.
“The idea that Elon Musk is not delighted with our steps to try and protect kids online is not an especially big surprise to us, nor does it trouble us greatly,” Chalmers told reporters, responding to Musk’s assertion that the law represents “a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”
The confrontation marks the latest clash between Musk and Australian authorities, following April’s dispute over a court order requiring X to block worldwide access to video footage of a Sydney church stabbing. That incident prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to label Musk an “arrogant billionaire” who considered himself above the law.
Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who initiated the church video case, reported receiving death threats after Musk “issued a dog whistle to 181 million users around the globe,” leading to online attacks and doxxing of her family.
The legislation, scheduled for parliamentary debate Monday, could become law as early as next week. “Our job is not to come up with a social media policy to please Elon Musk. Our job is to put in place the necessary protection for kids online,” Chalmers emphasized.
