Have social media platforms fuelled antisemitism? – podcast
News Source
•Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:06 GMT
📰 What Happened
Social media giants faced tough questions at Australia's royal commission into antisemitism. The commission is asking what more needs to be done to fight online hate. Meta bosses were grilled over decisions to cut 'censorship' that may have unleashed more antisemitic content.
The eSafety regulator told the commission that platforms 'monetise gore and fringe content'. A Full Story podcast by Guardian Australia explored these issues. Reporter Tory Shepherd explained what the platforms had to say about accusations they fuelled antisemitic content online.
🔍 The Backstory
Australia launched a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion after a rise in hate incidents. Jewish Australians have reported surges in online abuse. The Frank Lowy family suffered 15,000 serious online hate attacks in one year alone.
The commission is examining whether social media algorithms push hateful content to keep users engaged. Critics say platforms like Meta, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have not done enough to stop the spread of antisemitism. The royal commission is expected to make recommendations on how to combat online hate.
🎯 Why It Matters
Online hate is not just a digital problem. It leads to real-world harm. This inquiry could change how social media companies police hate speech in Australia.
Social media giants faced tough questions at Australia's royal commission into antisemitism. The commission is asking what more needs to be done to fight online hate. Meta bosses were grilled over decisions to cut 'censorship' that may have unleashed more antisemitic content.
The eSafety regulator told the commission that platforms 'monetise gore and fringe content'. A Full Story podcast by Guardian Australia explored these issues. Reporter Tory Shepherd explained what the platforms had to say about accusations they fuelled antisemitic content online.
Australia launched a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion after a rise in hate incidents. Jewish Australians have reported surges in online abuse. The Frank Lowy family suffered 15,000 serious online hate attacks in one year alone.
The commission is examining whether social media algorithms push hateful content to keep users engaged. Critics say platforms like Meta, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have not done enough to stop the spread of antisemitism. The royal commission is expected to make recommendations on how to combat online hate.
Online hate is not just a digital problem. It leads to real-world harm. This inquiry could change how social media companies police hate speech in Australia.