Australia’s internet safety watchdog on Thursday threatened to impose fines on Twitter for its failure to crack down on abuse, arguing that since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform, there has been an increase in “toxicity and hate.” Julie Inman Grant, cybersecurity commissioner and former Twitter employee, claimed that the platform now accounts for one in three complaints of online hate speech reported in Australia.
Inman Grant said Twitter has 28 days to address the problem, failing which it will face fines of up to A$700,000 (US$475,000) for each day of non-compliance.
Since Musk’s acquisition of the platform last October, Twitter has cut more than 80% of its staff worldwide, including numerous content moderators tasked with removing hate speech.
“Inman Grant said Twitter appears to have failed to combat hate,” noting that the Australian agency is not the only one concerned about the rising level of toxicity and hate on the platform, especially directed towards marginalized communities.
Australia has led efforts globally to regulate social networks, and this is not the first time Inman Grant has publicly mentioned Twitter. Last November, he wrote to Musk, expressing concern that staff cuts would leave the company unable to comply with Australian laws.
In May, Indigenous journalist Stan Grant, a respected media figure in Australia, complained to Twitter about the “constant racial filth” he faces on the platform.