Despite having fewer users compared to other platforms, Twitter receives one-third of the complaints about online hate in Australia. In response to this, Australia's internet safety watchdog has issued a 28-day ultimatum to Twitter, demanding that the platform address the issues of "toxicity and hate." Failure to meet the requirements within the given timeframe may result in fines for the company.
Following Elon Musk's ownership of the platform, Twitter has become the most frequently reported platform in Australia. Elon Musk, known for his stance as a "free speech absolutist" and being one of the wealthiest individuals globally, took control of Twitter last year.
Following the removal of restrictions on approximately 62,000 accounts, which included those associated with individuals promoting Nazi ideology, Twitter has now become accountable for one-third of online hate complaints in Australia, despite having a smaller user base than TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram. Julie Inman Grant, the e-safety commissioner who previously worked for Twitter, has given the platform a 28-day ultimatum to demonstrate its sincere commitment to addressing the issue.
Failure to meet this deadline could result in daily fines of 700,000 Australian dollars ($476,000) for the company. Inman Grant, who spent 17 years at Microsoft before joining Twitter to focus on cyber safety, criticized the platform for what she perceives as a failure to effectively combat hate speech. She stressed the importance of accountability and transparency, asserting that user protection necessitates both.
Since assuming control of the company in October 2022, Musk has terminated over 80 percent of the global workforce, including numerous content moderators who were responsible for combating abusive content.
However, the newly appointed CEO, Linda Yaccarino, seems to be adopting a different approach. In a recent statement, Yaccarino outlined her vision for Twitter, emphasizing the goal of transforming it into "the world's most reliable source of real-time information" and a global hub for communication.
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