Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his criticism towards social media platform X for its decision to challenge an order by the country’s internet watchdog to remove footage of a stabbing incident during a livestreamed church service. X, owned by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, announced over the weekend that it would contest the order to take down content related to the stabbing of Assyrian Christian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a service in western Sydney.
ESafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant had previously issued notices to X, requesting the removal of material depicting “gratuitous or offensive violence with a high degree of impact or detail.” Albanese, during a news conference, described X’s refusal to comply with the order as “extraordinary” and emphasized the need to combat misinformation and disinformation.
Albanese stated that the issue at hand was not about freedom of expression but rather the dangerous implications that arise when false information is replicated and weaponized to cause division and promote negative statements. He emphasized that social media platforms have a social responsibility in such cases.
In response, X stated that it had initially complied with the directive while awaiting a legal challenge, as it believed the orders were not within the scope of Australian law. The company further asserted that it does not allow people to praise or call for further violence related to the tragic event. X also highlighted the ongoing public conversation surrounding the incident and expressed its intention to challenge what it deemed an “unlawful and dangerous approach” in court.
The stabbing incident occurred during a mass service that was being broadcast online, resulting in Mar Mari Emmanuel, a prominent conservative leader of the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, sustaining lacerations to his head. Following the attack, a riot ensued outside the church, leading to over 50 injured police officers and damage to 20 police cars. Emmanuel, who is currently recovering in the hospital, released a message last week stating that he was doing well and had forgiven his attacker.
2 Responses
Do you think social media platforms should have the right to challenge orders from internet watchdogs when it comes to removing potentially harmful content? Why or why not?
This is absolutely outrageous! How can a social media platform like X have the audacity to challenge an order to remove footage of a stabbing incident during a livestreamed church service? It’s beyond comprehension that they would prioritize their own interests over public safety and the well-being of the community.
The fact that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had to express his criticism towards X speaks volumes about the platform’s lack of responsibility and disregard for the consequences of their actions. This decision only highlights their complete disregard for