Elon Musk's X Corp and several other major social media companies have come under intense criticism after refusing to cooperate with Australia's Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, a public inquiry examining the rise of online hate and antisemitism.
During hearings in Sydney on Friday, counsel assisting the commission, Richard Lancaster SC, accused X of showing "shocking disrespect and disregard" by failing to engage with the inquiry despite repeated requests for information.
Lancaster argued that X's refusal to participate raised serious questions about whether the platform deserved to retain its "social licence" to operate in Australia while declining to assist an investigation into the spread of antisemitic content online.
The commission is investigating how social media platforms have contributed to the spread of antisemitism following a surge in hate incidents across Australia. The inquiry is examining whether existing laws are sufficient to hold technology companies accountable for harmful content and whether stronger regulations are needed to protect users.
While X drew the strongest criticism, other major social media companies were also faulted for either refusing to engage fully or providing limited cooperation with the commission's requests for information on their content moderation practices.
The inquiry forms part of Australia's broader response to growing concerns over antisemitism and online extremism following a series of high-profile hate incidents that have heightened pressure on digital platforms to strengthen safeguards against harmful content.
The Royal Commission is expected to continue hearing evidence over the coming days before making recommendations to the Australian Government on measures to combat antisemitism and improve accountability among social media companies.
