Elon Musk’s X scored a major victory Monday against an Australian government censor who had ordered the platform to take down footage posted by users of a stabbing incident in a Sydney church.
An Australian federal judge ruled against the country’s top cyber safety commissioner, blocking the official’s request to extend the injunction against X. The injunction forced X to remove footage of the attack and to work to prevent other users from posting the video.
The ruling is a significant win for Mr. Musk’s free speech goals and ends a months-long legal battle between the billionaire and Australian officials.
After the stabbing incident, where a 16-year-old stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a live-streamed sermon, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner issued an injunction ordering X to take down and block the video of the stabbing.
Mr. Musk refused and challenged the order in an Australian court, sparking a war of words between the Tesla CEO and several Australian officials.
“I do not think I’m above the law. Does the PM think he should have jurisdiction over all of Earth?” Mr. Musk posted in reference to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “This platform adheres to the law of countries in those countries, but it would be improper to extend one country’s rulings to other countries.”