Free-speech activists challenge global reach of Australia's online watchdog
By James Panichi ( October 9, 2025, 07:54 GMT | Comment) -- Demands that Meta Platforms and X Corp. remove from their social-media feeds certain violent content, including footage of the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, has placed Australia’s online-safety watchdog under global scrutiny. Big Tech argues that an order to remove content for Australian viewers can result in the content being removed globally. Meanwhile, in an apparent legal grassroots campaign, Australian free-speech activists are turning to an administrative tribunal to tackle the takedown orders.Under normal circumstances, legal action targeting Australia’s outspoken online-safety regulator in the country’s most accessible tribunal wouldn’t warrant a flurry of media coverage....
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