X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and now under the ownership of Elon Musk, has faced a significant setback in Australia. The company has been slapped with a hefty fine of A$610,500 ($386,000) due to its non-cooperation in an investigation into its child safety protocols. This penalty, although not substantial compared to Musk’s $44 billion investment in the platform, has raised concerns about the company’s reputation.
In the past, X has drawn attention due to its strategies for moderating content. The e-Safety Commission in Australia had solicited comprehensive data from X about its approach to addressing allegations of child exploitation material and the methodologies employed for identifying such content. However, X’s lack of response led to the imposition of the fine. Julie Inman Grant, the Commissioner, emphasized that platforms should have comprehensive procedures to deal with illegal content and should be open about these procedures.
In addition to this, X is also under the scanner of the European Union, which is probing potential breaches of its newly implemented tech rules. The platform is indicted of not effectively controlling misinformation related to an attack on Israel by the militant group Hamas.
X’s response to the regulator’s queries has further raised eyebrows. The corporation affirmed that it does not to have a significant young user base and that the available technology to counter grooming is not sophisticated or reliable enough for implementation on Twitter. X also confessed to a decrease in the anticipatory discovery of child exploitation material since Musk took over the company.
Simultaneously, Alphabet’s subsidiary, Google, received a caution from the commission for not meeting its demand for details regarding the management of content exploiting children. Google conveyed its dissatisfaction with the warning, however, it reaffirmed its dedication to cooperate with the e-Safety Commissioner and other interested parties to bolster online security in Australia.
The oversight body highlighted X’s significant non-adherence, encompassing its inability to supply information about its reaction times to child abuse allegations, actions implemented to identify child exploitation during real-time broadcasts, and the count of staff committed to moderating content, ensuring safety, and guiding public policy. X confirmed a drastic reduction in its global staff and revealed that it does not have any public policy employees in Australia.
