<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>329004</docID> <postdate>2024-09-13 08:23:12</postdate> <headline>Elon Musk decries misinformation crackdown</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-329005" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240122001892240610-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Elon Musk has labelled the Australian government 'fascists' over their proposed misinformation laws. (EPA PHOTO)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Kat Wong</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Controversial billionaire Elon Musk has called the Australian government "fascists" over its attempts to tackle deliberate lies spread on social media.</strong></p> <p>Social media companies could be fined up to five per cent of their annual turnover under the Commonwealth's proposed laws.</p> <p>Mr Musk, who owns social media platform X, responded to a post about Australia's measures with one word.</p> <p>"Fascists," he wrote.</p> <p>Asked about the comment, Bill Shorten hit back.</p> <p>"Elon Musk has more positions on our free speech than the Kama Sutra," he told the Today show on Friday.</p> <p>"When it's in his commercial interests, he is the champion of free speech, when he doesn't like it, he's going to shut it all down."</p> <p>Australia's misinformation legislation would give the communications watchdog powers to monitor and regulate content on digital platforms.</p> <p>It would also allow it to approve an enforceable industry code of conduct or introduce standards for social media companies if self-regulation was deemed to fail.</p> <p>This is not the first time Mr Musk has battled against Australian authorities.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>During the months-long saga, Mr Musk accused the Australian government of suppressing free speech.</p> <p>Several politicians hit back, with the prime minister labelling him an "arrogant billionaire".</p> <p>But in June, the safety commissioner discontinued the Federal Court proceedings.</p> </body>