Australian Government Moves to Censor Americans with Global Free Speech Crackdown
by Frank Bergman
Elon Musk’s X is sounding the alarm over a sweeping new Australian censorship proposal that could allow government regulators to demand documents and personal information from people outside the country, including Americans.
In a formal submission to the Australian Senate, X warned that the legislation would dramatically expand the power of Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and reach far beyond the nation’s borders.
Under the proposal, a person would not need to live in Australia or operate an Australian company to be targeted.
They would only need to be considered “affiliated” with an online platform.
X Warns Australia Is Claiming Power Over People Worldwide
X submitted its objections to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee as lawmakers consider the Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026.
The legislation passed Australia’s House of Representatives on July 1 and was referred to the Senate committee the same day.
The committee is expected to issue its report on August 25.
X warned that the amendments would “compel any person outside Australia…to provide information and documents merely because they are ‘affiliated’ with a company.”
The company said such an expansion of power would be “in clear conflict” with established international legal principles.
X also warned that the measure “raises potential for a severe impact on international comity.”
In practical terms, the Australian government is seeking the authority to demand records from people and companies around the world, even when their only connection to the country is an association with a social media platform.