US Congress Scrutinizes Australia’s eSafety Commissioner

A U.S. congressional committee has urged Australia's internet regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, to testify about the nation's online laws. The committee characterized her as a "noted zealot for global takedowns" who "threatens speech of American citizens." In a letter dated November 18, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, a Republican, accused Commissioner Julie Inman Grant of colluding with pro-censorship groups. He specifically criticized her participation in a Stanford University panel alongside foreign officials who, according to him, pose a serious threat to the First Amendment rights of Americans.

Jordan’s letter highlighted recent protests from major U.S.-based internet companies against Australian online regulations, including a social media ban for users under 16. Elon Musk, owner of X and a former adviser to Donald Trump, also criticized Grant, calling her a "censorship commissar" for her efforts to restrict certain social media posts in Australia. He described the youth social media ban, set to take effect on December 10, as a form of surveillance.

Jordan questioned Grant’s interpretation of Australia's Online Safety Act, especially her claims of extraterritorial jurisdiction that could impact free speech outside Australia. He pointed out that her enforcement efforts could threaten American speech rights. The committee requested that Grant respond by December 2 to arrange an interview.

At present, representatives for Grant have not commented. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation cited a spokesperson indicating the regulator is not currently restricting U.S. content for Americans but is considering the congressional request.

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The letter also referenced a 2024 legal case where Grant ordered X to remove posts related to a church stabbing in Sydney, which police labeled as terrorism. The case was eventually dropped. Jordan noted Grant’s speech at Stanford in September, where she engaged with officials from the EU and Brazil, countries known for their extraterritorial censorship efforts. He expressed concern over her hiring Stanford to evaluate Australia's social media age restrictions, warning that such ties could facilitate U.S. government censorship of American speech.

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