X Corp Loses Australian Court Battle Over Child Safety Compliance
Australian appeals court delivers unanimous ruling against X Corp. in child safety case, reinforcing national regulatory authority over global tech platforms and ordering payment of legal costs.
Australian Federal Court building in Melbourne where the landmark X Corp. ruling was delivered
In a landmark ruling for digital safety regulation, an Australian appeals court has unanimously rejected X Corp.'s challenge against national child safety requirements, ordering the Elon Musk-owned platform to comply with regulatory obligations and pay legal costs.
Court Upholds Safety Watchdog's Authority
Three federal court judges in Melbourne reinforced the authority of Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, maintaining that X Corp. must respond to official notices regarding child exploitation material on its platform. This ruling follows Australia's broader push for stricter social media regulations, which includes groundbreaking legislation affecting platforms' operations.
Implications for Digital Safety Compliance
The case highlights Australia's strengthening stance on digital infrastructure regulation, particularly concerning user safety. From December, Australian children under 16 will be banned from social media platforms including X, marking a significant shift in online safety policy.
"This judgment confirms the obligations to comply with Australian regulations still apply, regardless of a foreign company's merger with another foreign company," stated Inman Grant.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Disputes
X Corp.'s legal challenges included arguments that Twitter's merger with X nullified previous regulatory obligations. However, the court's decision establishes important precedents for international technology companies operating in Australia.
Financial Penalties and Compliance Issues
- Previous AU$610,500 fine for incomplete reporting
- Ongoing federal court case regarding unpaid penalties
- Potential implications for other tech platforms
The ruling represents a significant victory for Australian regulators in their efforts to hold global technology companies accountable for user safety and content moderation practices.
Jack Thompson
Reporter based in Sydney, Jack covers climate issues, migration policies, and Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy.