It is not often the Government finds itself in the firing line from Elon Musk and Donald Trump Junior but that is what has happened in recent days.
Ireland is introducing new hate speech legislation.
The old law dates back to 1989 but it was seen as ineffective. There were only about 50 convictions under it and that led to calls for a major overhaul.
It also comes at a time when the internet has dramatically changed the climate and a potentially incendiary video can be seen by thousands in minutes.
But the new legislation, launched by the Government last year, has attracted criticism from some quarters at home and abroad. However, it has been passed in the Dáil by an overwhelming majority and it is now being considered by the Seanad.
The new proposals criminalise communication or behaviour "that is likely to incite violence or hatred" against people because they are associated with a "protected characteristic."
It says those characteristics are "race; colour; nationality; religion; national or ethnic origin; descent; gender; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; and disability."
A penalty for an offence will be up to five years' imprisonment.
However, Elon Musk tweeted the legislation is "a massive attack on freedom of expression."
And Donald Trump Junior tweeted "it is insane what is happening in the free world" in response to criticism of the proposals online.
The key issue for the critics is a clause in the legislation that those who "prepare or possesses material that is likely to incite violence or hatred against a person or a group of persons" also falls foul of the legislation.
This clause is aimed at equipping the gardaí to take action against those who might be building a website or printing large numbers of leaflets which include hate speech.
Some politicians including Peadar Tóibín of Aontú argue that part of the proposed law goes too far.
He says: "It is incredible that this bill stretches into the space of thought policing."
However, the legislation is defended by the Minister for Justice Simon Harris.
Speaking to reporters today he said: "Any time Donald Trump (Jnr) and Elon Musk have a different view to you it is not a bad day at the office. I don't take my political philosophy from the Trump family or Mr Musk. There are people trying to overstate things here."
He says it is not about policing thought and added it was "about keeping people safe" and stopping discrimination which can often see people "physically assaulted."
The Government argues there are measures to protect freedom of expression.
The legislation says it shall be a defence to prove that the material concerned consisted solely of "a reasonable and genuine contribution to literary, artistic, political, scientific, religious or academic discourse."
The proposed law has been backed by Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Labour Party and others. The fact that the main players in opposition are in favour of the measures are worth noting as they frequently disagree with the Government.
The new legislation is expected to be enacted by the summer.
