X Corp is contesting a $610,000 fine imposed by the Australian government over Twitter’s alleged failure to address child sexual abuse material on the platform. The case, brought by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, centers on claims that Twitter, before merging into X Corp, did not adequately respond to a notice demanding action on harmful content.
X argues that the timing of the notice is problematic, as it was issued after Twitter's merger with X Corp in March of last year. The company claims the accusations are no longer valid, and the penalty should not apply.
This week, X Corp took the matter to the Federal Court, challenging both the fine and the accusations. The eSafety Commissioner, however, insists that Twitter did not provide sufficient answers on how it was addressing the issue of child safety.
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, emphasized that the notice had been issued when Twitter was still operational, and the responsibility lies with the entity to which it was directed, not the individuals involved. She argued that X Corp must still answer for the actions of its predecessor.
This case is seen as a critical test of Australia’s Online Safety Act, particularly around how notices are enforced across changing corporate structures. Other platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, have also faced scrutiny under the law.
For now, X Corp has seven separate legal cases pending, as it continues to challenge the Australian government’s approach to online safety regulation.
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