Australia Fines Individual Identified as "X" for Failure to Comply with Reporting Requirements on Child Abuse Content Online

eSafety Fines X (Formerly Twitter) $386,000 for Failing to Provide Answers on Child Abuse Content

The Australian online safety regulator, eSafety, has slapped a hefty fine of $386,000 on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) for its failure to provide adequate answers about the steps it takes to tackle child abuse content. The regulator had issued legal notices to several tech giants, including Google, TikTok, Twitch, Discord, and X, in February under the country’s Online Safety Act.

eSafety Commissioner Criticizes X for Lack of Transparency

In a press release, eSafety stated that X left some sections of its responses blank, while others were incomplete or inaccurate. The regulator also criticized X for not providing timely answers to its questions, particularly regarding CSAM detection technology in livestreams and the use of grooming detection technology.

Google Also Guilty of Providing Inadequate Responses

While eSafety has fined X $386,000 for its shortcomings, it has issued a formal warning to Google instead of a fine. The regulator stated that Google’s responses were generic and did not provide adequate information on tackling child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Elon Musk-Owned Company Faces Repuation Management Challenges

The fine imposed by eSafety is significant, but X will have to engage in reputation management efforts to mitigate the impact. The company has already been struggling to retain advertisers, and this latest development may further erode its reputation.

X’s Track Record on CSAM: A Cause for Concern

Critics argue that X’s lack of transparency on CSAM detection technology and grooming detection is a cause for concern. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that "Twitter/X has stated publicly that tackling child sexual exploitation is the number 1 priority for the company, but it can’t just be empty talk… We need to see words backed up with tangible action."

X’s Track Record on Trust and Safety Issues

In recent months, X has faced criticism for its handling of trust and safety issues. The company removed an option for users to report political misinformation, sparking concerns about the effectiveness of its moderation policies. Additionally, X let go of a team of staff working on trust and safety issues, as well as disbanded its Trust & Safety Council.

Australia’s Stance on Online Safety

The eSafety fine is part of Australia’s efforts to ensure online safety. The country has been at the forefront of regulating social media platforms to prevent the spread of child abuse content. The Australian government has implemented laws to require tech giants to provide information about their moderation policies and practices.

International Pressure Mounts on Social Media Platforms

The eSafety fine is not an isolated incident. Several countries, including India and the EU, have also taken action against social media platforms for failing to address CSAM and misinformation. The Digital Services Act (DSA) in the EU requires social media companies to provide details about their moderation policies and practices.

What’s Next for X?

The fine imposed by eSafety is a wake-up call for X (formerly Twitter). The company must take concrete steps to improve its CSAM detection technology and grooming detection capabilities. Failure to do so may result in further regulatory action and reputational damage.

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