Elon Musk, the creator of the social networking platform X, called Australia’s centre-left government “fascists” in response to measures that would have restricted the online dissemination of false information.

The measure, which was unveiled on Thursday, would penalise internet platforms for failing to stop the spread of harmful false information with fines of up to 5% of their worldwide sales.

Musk, a self-described defender of free expression, posted a single word in response to the news: “Fascists.”

Elon Musk has more perspectives on free speech than the Kama Sutra, according to Government Services Minister Bill Shorten, who quickly criticised Musk for his remarks. When he gets upset, he will shut everything off.

“This bill improves the transparency and accountability of platforms for users and the Australian people,” said Michelle Rowland, the minister of communications, in defence of the legislation.

“Social media platforms should not publish scam content, deepfake materials, and livestream violence in the name of free speech,” Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones continued.

The proposed rule mandates that digital platforms create codes of conduct to guard against false information and receive regulatory approval. Penalties could be imposed for noncompliance.

The proposed law mandated that digital platforms create codes of conduct to guard against false information and receive regulatory approval.

To make social media behemoths responsible for their part in spreading misleading information, noncompliance could result in heavy fines.

This most recent dispute represents Musk’s second run-in with the Australian government.

As X contested a cyber regulator’s request in April to take down posts regarding a stabbing incident that happened in Sydney, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Musk a “arrogant billionaire.”

Following a setback in the federal court, the regulator later withdrew its challenge against X.

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