Musk and a Canadian man sue Australian authorities for censoring his X post
The Australian government is facing a legal challenge from an internet personality known as “Billboard Chris,” who is contesting the authority of the nation’s eSafety commission to geo-block a tweet criticizing the appointment of an Australian transgender activist to a World Health Organization board.
Chris Elston, a Canadian national known for expressing his views through slogans on sandwich boards in public places, had a tweet geo-blocked by the Australian authorities. The tweet in question was a share of a UK Daily Mail article titled “Kinky secrets of UN trans expert revealed,” which highlighted the controversial past of the transgender activist, Teddy Cook.
The activist filed a complaint with Australia’s eSafety commissioner, leading to a request for the tweet to be censored. Initially, Elston refused to comply but eventually agreed after the government issued a formal order. The case is now being challenged before the Administrative Review Tribunal with the support of Alliance Defending Freedom International.
Lois McLatchie Miller of ADFI highlighted the significance of the case, emphasizing the importance of free speech on a global scale. She criticized the Australian government for censoring content and preventing citizens from forming their own opinions on sensitive topics such as gender ideology.
Elston, who has been vocal about his opposition to gender surgeries for children, recently faced fines and police intervention for his activism. The case has drawn parallels to concerns raised by Vice President JD Vance about global censorship and its impact on democratic principles.
ADFI advocacy director Robert Clarke condemned the actions of Australian authorities, calling it a “patronizing affront to the principles of democracy.” The organization is also challenging a hefty penalty imposed on X, the platform where Elston’s tweet was posted, for failing to address issues of exploitation and abuse on its platform.
The case has sparked a debate about the boundaries of free speech and government intervention in online content. It remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold and what implications it may have for internet users and platforms in Australia and beyond.
