Archive · 17 Dec 2025
X Wins Appeal on Charlie Kirk Shooting Footage Ban
Elon Musk's social media platform X won an appeal against an Australian ban on showing videos of the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
The Australian eSafety commissioner had initially blocked the videos, classifying them as 'refused classification.'
X argued that the footage was not excessively violent or offensive, comparing it to historical event coverage.
The appeal board agreed, changing the classification to R18+ and allowing the videos to be viewed in Australia.
X welcomed the decision, stating it was a victory for free speech.
The eSafety commissioner also welcomed the decision but noted that platforms must ensure such content is not accessible to minors.
X successfully appealed an Australian ban on videos of Charlie Kirk's shooting.
The Australian eSafety commissioner initially classified the footage as 'refused classification.'
X argued the footage was not excessively violent or offensive, comparing it to historical event coverage.
The appeal board changed the classification to R18+, allowing the videos to be viewed in Australia.
X welcomed the decision, stating it was a victory for free speech.
- Who
- Elon Musk's social media platform X and the Australian eSafety Commissioner
- What
- An appeal against the ban on footage of Charlie Kirk's shooting
- When
- The incident occurred on September 10, and the appeal was won recently
- Where
- The incident took place at Utah Valley University, and the ban was in Australia
- Why
- X argued for free speech and access to information about a public event
- Date of Incident
- September 10
- Location of Incident
- Utah Valley University
- Initial Classification
- Refused Classification
- Final Classification
- R18+
- Platform Involved
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Regulator Involved
- Australian eSafety Commissioner
- Appeal Outcome
- Successful for X