This week, social media giants faced intense questioning at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, as the inquiry examined whether platforms have fuelled antisemitic content online. The commission, which is investigating the rise of antisemitism in Australia, heard evidence from representatives of Meta, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
Platforms Under Fire
Reged Ahmad spoke to senior reporter Tory Shepherd about the accusations. Shepherd noted that the platforms were asked to explain their role in amplifying hate speech and whether their algorithms inadvertently promote antisemitic material. According to Shepherd, the companies defended their moderation policies, citing efforts to remove harmful content and improve reporting mechanisms.
Key Testimony and Statistics
During the hearing, it was revealed that Meta removed over 12 million pieces of hate speech globally in the last quarter alone, but critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. One commissioner asked, "How many antisemitic posts are slipping through the cracks?" A Meta representative responded that they have invested heavily in AI detection, but acknowledged that no system is perfect.
YouTube stated that it had taken down hundreds of thousands of videos violating its hate speech policies, but campaigners say the platforms need to do more. "The algorithms are still pushing users toward extreme content," said one expert witness.
Impact on Social Cohesion
The royal commission is also exploring the broader impact of online hate on social cohesion. Shepherd reported that community leaders have expressed concern that unchecked antisemitism online is spilling into real-world violence and discrimination. The commission is expected to release recommendations later this year on how to better regulate digital platforms.
