Facebook, Insta, TikTok to go under the microscope in inquiry

An iconic photo catapulted AFLW star Tayla Harris into the spotlight but led to vile abuse. Now she’s set to call time on trolling at a new inquiry.

Big tech and the dangers of toxic material posted on social media platforms will be the subject of a new parliamentary inquiry, to be announced today, chaired by Central Coast MP Lucy Wicks.

Inspired by the accounts of Facebook whistleblower ­Frances Haugen, who is testifying before the US Congress this week, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said that her “troubling” revelations have “amplified existing concerns in the community”.

“This inquiry will give organisations and individuals an opportunity to air their concerns, and for Big Tech to ­account for its own conduct,” Mr Fletcher said.

Facebook will be among the social media giants to appear before the inquiry. Picture: AFP

Anti-troll campaigner and media personality Erin Molan could appear before the inquiry. Picture: Toby Zerna

The committee is expected to invite AFL stars Adam Goodes and Tayla Harris, anti-troll campaigner Erin Molan and Ms Haugen, who leaked thousands of internal documents to argue the giant was “unquestionably making hate worse”.

Separate to the government’s proposed anti-social media troll laws, designed to expose and hold to account those who hide behind anonymity to abuse others, this inquiry will look at the behaviour of companies like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to determine the potential impacts of online harms to Australians.

A 2018 survey of over 4000 Australians aged 12 to 15 saw social media nominated as the No.1 reason youth mental health is getting worse.

“Mums and dads are rightly concerned about whether big tech is doing enough to keep their kids safe online,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“Big tech created these platforms, they have a responsibility to ensure they’re safe.

The now-famous photo of AFLW player Tayla Harris. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media

Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen could also appear before the Australian inquiry. Picture: AFP

“Australia has led the world in regulating social media, establishing the world’s first dedicated online safety watchdog in 2015.

“In June this year we passed the tough new Online Safety Act which will give our eSafety Commissioner even stronger powers to direct the removal of online abuse.

“So this inquiry will be a very important opportunity to examine the practices of these companies – and whether more needs to be done.”

Hearings will begin in mid-December and is expected to report on February 20 of next year, before a federal election, anticipated to fall either in March or May.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said social media was “part of the problem” in the increasing rates of distress and mental illness among young Australians.