Australia's proposed social media enforcement powers face criticism from X.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X has criticised Australia’s proposed expansion of enforcement powers for its online safety regulator, arguing the measures could conflict with international law and unfairly target global technology companies.
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Australia’s landmark law banning social media accounts for children under 16 came into force last December. The legislation drew strong opposition from several US-based technology firms.
In a submission to an Australian Senate committee, X argued that the proposed amendments failed to protect procedural fairness, user privacy and Australia’s broader digital economy.
X opposes expanded regulator powers
The platform criticised plans to grant the eSafety Commissioner broader powers to compel companies to hand over documents and to increase the maximum penalty for non-compliance to A$99 million.
X argued that the proposed rules could force individuals and businesses outside Australia to provide information simply because they are affiliated with a company operating in the country.
The company said such measures conflict with international legal principles and could undermine respect for foreign legal systems.
Debate draws international attention
The dispute has taken on a geopolitical dimension after a US congressional committee asked Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to testify, claiming the regulator’s actions could threaten American free speech.
Earlier, Elon Musk described Australia’s social media ban as a “backdoor” attempt to control internet access for Australians.
Regulator seeks stronger enforcement tools
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner says stronger investigative powers are necessary because current rules rely heavily on information provided voluntarily by technology companies.
The regulator also said it lacks the authority to compel documents from third-party age verification providers, creating significant obstacles during investigations.
Recent data released by eSafety indicates that many Australians under the age of 16 continue to maintain social media accounts despite the ban.
Tech companies question feasibility
Industry body DIGI, along with Google, YouTube and TikTok, argued that no fully reliable technology currently exists to identify and block all underage users.
Australia’s parliament has not yet approved the proposed enforcement legislation. A Senate committee is expected to present its findings after public hearings conclude on August 25.
