The social media platform X is expected return to the federal court today to argue why it should not have to hide footage of the Wakeley stabbing. But

The eSafety commissioner and X are due back in court today. Here's what to expect

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2024-04-23 21:00:04

The social media platform X is expected return to the federal court today to argue why it should not have to hide footage of the Wakeley stabbing.

But owner Elon Musk wants a fight, pitting him against a furious prime minister. For Mr Musk it is a question of free speech, for Mr Albanese a question of "social decency".

Also at issue is another question with far-reaching implications: how much authority do national governments have to enforce their own laws in the borderless online spaces where so much civic discourse now happens?

The combatants are likely to fire off their opening salvos in court today, although the timing has not yet been confirmed. Here's what we expect.

The dispute began last Tuesday when eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant ordered X and Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) to remove footage of the stabbing of Assyrian preacher Mar Mari Emmanuel.

She has the legal authority to do so under the Online Safety Act, passed in 2021, which empowers eSafety to demand the removal of so-called 'class 1 material'.