eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman – Grant abandoned the federal court case to have graphic footage removed from Elon Musk’s social media platform X.
In the battle of Musk versus Australia’s eSafety Commission, the world’s richest person has had the final say. X (formerly Twitter) released a statement saying it is ‘heartened’ to see that freedom of speech has been upheld.
“We welcome the news that the eSafety Commissioner is no longer pursuing legal action against X seeking the global removal of content that does not violate X’s rules,” the statement reads.
The post came hours after Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman – Grant, confirmed that the case against X to remove content is being dropped.
“I have decided to discontinue the proceedings in the Federal Court against X Corp in relation to the matter of extreme violent material depicting the real-life graphic stabbing of a religious leader at Wakeley in Sydney on 15 April 2024,” a statement from Inman – Grant reads.
The Commissioner states she is calling for an independent review.
“We now welcome the opportunity for a thorough and independent merits review of my decision to issue a removal notice to X Corp by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.”
Inman – Grant is questioning why the stabbing video is allowed on social media if it is not permitted on television.
“Most Australians accept this kind of graphic material should not be on broadcast television, which begs an obvious question of why it should be allowed to be distributed freely and accessible online 24/7 to anyone, including children.”
Albanese asks Musk for common sense and decency
It is an issue Prime Minister Albanese has also weighed in on.
“Well, this guy is showing his arrogance,” Albanese said of Musk on Channel 7 in April.
“He’s a billionaire over there in the United States who thinks he’s above Australian law. And he’s fighting for the right to show violent videos on his platform, something that can cause damage to young people, we know, and a great deal of distress. Something that will add to social division.”
He said the Australian people are united in not wanting video of the stabbing on social media.
“The eSafety Commissioner has made a ruling. The other social media platforms all complied without complaint. This is a measure that has a bipartisan support in this country. Australians are united. This isn’t about censorship. It’s about common sense and common decency. And Elon Musk should show some,” Albanese said.
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