Facebook has been the main target of the Morrison government’s slap down of social media giants following the Christchurch attack which left 50 dead.
A meeting in Brisbane yesterday included representatives from Facebook, Google and Twitter, who were called in by the federal government over proposed legislation to ensure content such as the Christchurch attacker’s live-stream is more promptly removed.
A source told AdNews that Facebook received heavy criticism for sending “middle management” staff to the meeting.
Facebook was used as a “punching bag” by government ministers, the source says.
During the meeting, which included Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and The Department of Communications and the Art, a new task force was also discussed which would be set up by June.
The task force would include senior representatives from social media companies, as well as the Home Affairs Office and The Communications Department.
Morrison has since come out promising new laws to better regulate the platforms. However, it’s uncertain whether it will be possible before the election.
The New Zealand advertising industry is calling for a global advertising boycott of Facebook until its live streaming functionality is either taken down or better controls are put in place.
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