Introduction

Australia's cyber watchdog, the eSafety Commissioner, has issued an official notice to Twitter, the microblogging platform now owned by billionaire Elon Musk, seeking clarity on how the social media giant is addressing online hate speech and abuse. Since Musk lifted the ban on 62,000 previously blocked accounts, Twitter has seen a dramatic surge in complaints, making it Australia's most complained-about platform.

The eSafety Commissioner, headed by Julie Inman Grant, is ramping up its campaign to hold Twitter accountable. The latest demand from the regulator came after Twitter became the platform with the most complaints related to online hate, exceeding those against Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok, despite having significantly fewer users in Australia.

Inman Grant, in her statement, accused Twitter of falling short in managing online hate. Her claims stem from Musk’s controversial decision to reinstate a reported 62,000 banned accounts, some of which belong to individuals known to propagate Nazi ideologies. Musk, who purchased the platform for $44 billion in October, promised a commitment to free speech, which many perceive as the root of the current issue.