ONLINE giants Google, Facebook and Twitter have been accused of “enabling” violent extremism as the Turnbull government flags a tough new crackdown on digital platforms that are freely publishing hate speech.
It can be revealed that more than 300 duplicate videos, which called for attacks against Australian citizens, were recently removed from 20 platforms within hours of receiving the referral from security agencies.
But some senior government figures are now asking how prominent internet companies allowed them to be published in the first place.
Sources have told the Herald Sun that Australia could join with Britain and other key allies to further regulate cyberspace by putting a legal responsibility on industry not to direct users — even unintentionally — toward extremist propaganda.
Some “Five Eyes” member nations — an intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the US — are considering introducing domestic sanctions to ensure compliance which would give regulators the ability to fine or prosecute those companies that fail in their legal duties.
Read the full article by Rob Harris at the Herald Sun (subscription only).