Social media juggernaut X declared its intention on Saturday to contest in court an Australian regulatory directive demanding the removal of certain posts concerning the stabbing incident involving a bishop in Sydney.
Authorities charged a 16-year-old boy with a terrorism offense on Thursday in connection with the alleged stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel at a church in Sydney earlier in the week. Video footage from the scene depicted the boy being restrained by congregants while making accusations against Emmanuel, alleging insults to Islam.
X’s Global Government Affairs division posted on Saturday that the Australian eSafety Commissioner had issued an order for the removal of specific posts in Australia discussing the recent attack on a Christian bishop.
The regulatory body instructed X to “withhold” the posts or face a daily fine of A$785,000 ($500,000), according to the company, which did not disclose the content of the posts in question.
X stated, “We believe that the eSafety Commissioner’s directive exceeded the bounds of Australian law, and while we complied with the order pending legal action, we will vigorously contest this unlawful and perilous approach in court.”
In response to X’s remarks, a spokesperson for the agency referenced a statement from the eSafety Commissioner indicating efforts to ensure X’s compliance with Australian regulations.
“We are evaluating whether further regulatory measures are necessary,” the regulator remarked.
The regulatory body, a governmental entity tasked with removing harmful online content, issued legal notices in March to social media platforms, including X, seeking information on their efforts to eradicate terrorism-related content.
Bishop Emmanuel, known for his social media presence with followers worldwide, is also a controversial figure. He has garnered attention for his outspoken views on homosexuality, COVID vaccinations, Islam, and U.S. President Joe Biden’s election.
