EXPLAINER: Why Elon Musk and Australia’s Internet Regulator Are on a Collision Course

Australian authorities have set themselves on a collision course with tech billionaire Elon Musk’s X Corp. The resultant legal battle—if it reaches Australia’s higher courts—could result in a landmark ruling on what, if any, limits can be placed on free speech under current Australian law, and the regulator’s power to hold non-resident entities to account. The conflict began when Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant issued a $610,500 (US$393,406) fine against the social media platform for not responding to questions on how it was dealing with child sexual abuse material online. X let the deadline for payment lapse, did not pay the fine, and has now sought a judicial review....