Elon Musk doubles down on 'fascists' comment after Anthony Albanese hits back

The federal government proposed new laws this week that could see social media companies fined up to 5 per cent of their annual turnover for spreading misinformation and disinformation.

It's not the first time Musk has battled against Australian authorities. Source: AAP / Sebastian Gollnow/DPA

Key Points

• Elon Musk and Anthony Albanese have traded verbal blows over a planned misinformation and disinformation crackdown.
• Under proposed federal legislation, social media companies could face large fines for spreading misinformation.
• Musk has called the government "fascists" while Albanese suggested Musk didn't recognise his social responsibility.

Elon Musk has hit back at the Australian prime minister and doubled down on describing the government as "fascists" over a planned misinformation and disinformation crackdown.

Under the proposed legislation, the communications watchdog's powers to monitor and regulate content on digital platforms would be bolstered.

Social media companies could be fined up to 5 per cent of their annual turnover if they breach the laws.

Musk, who owns social media platform X, responded to a post on Thursday about Australia's measures with the word "fascists".

In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said social media companies had a social responsibility.

"If Mr Musk doesn't understand that, that says more about him than it does about my government," he said on Saturday.

The controversial billionaire doubled down on his comments on Saturday night in another post, writing "Far left fascists love censorship".

The proposed laws would allow the media regulator to approve an enforceable industry code of conduct or introduce standards for social media companies if self-regulation was deemed to fail.

Most Australians want more action to stop the spread of harmful misinformation online, surveying by three universities shows.

Opposition communications spokesperson David Coleman has also criticised the bill, but steered clear of the "fascists" label.

"I wouldn't use those words," he said, but described the prime minister's plan as "grossly incompetent", "contemptuous of free speech" and "generally weak, indecisive".

Coleman said he took issue with the way intentionally misleading and harmful material was defined.

It's not the first time Musk has battled against Australian authorities.

In April, the eSafety 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, Musk accused the Australian government of suppressing free speech.

Several politicians hit back, with the prime minister labelling him an "arrogant billionaire".

But in June, the safety commissioner discontinued the Federal Court proceedings.