Elon Musk calls Australian government ‘fascists’ over move to regulate online misinformation

Labor ministers hit back at US billionaire, saying he is inconsistent on free speech and calling his comment ‘crackpot stuff’

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Elon Musk has called the Australian government “fascists” over new legislation aimed at tackling deliberate lies spread on social media.

Social media companies could be fined up to 5% of their annual turnover under the commonwealth’s proposed laws.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email