Twitter Faces a Legal Warning in Australia Due to Harmful Content

eSafety is an agency set up by the Australian government which aims to ensure the online safety of its citizens. Julie Inman Grant, eSafety’s Commissioner, has recently criticised Twitter for failing to adequately combat harmful content on the platform. This follows an unprecedented spike in submitted complaints, despite a continued decline in active user numbers, since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022. This inverse proportionality is a novel trend for social media networks.

Alongside Grant’s comments, an official warning was issued to Twitter. The Australian watchdog now expects a response to its queries on the moderation of harmful content within 4 weeks. If it fails to do so, the company can expect fines amounting to A$700,000 per day.

eSafety’s Warning

eSafety has presented this warning to Twitter due to the anomalously high proportion of complaints centred around the platform. According to Grant, one-third of all complaints on online hate relate to Twitter.

The primary reason for addressing Twitter is the widespread presence of content which is considered distasteful and inappropriate. Grant’s concerns focus on hateful comments made against minority groups. Wider concerns also exist. Harmful images and videos – often depicting illegal acts – often appear on Twitter. Musk has continuously dismissed similar allegations by relying on the argument of maintaining freedom of speech on the platform.

Although such content can be observed across all social media sites, the volume registered on Twitter is unparalleled. The company also seems to lack the determination to overcome the problem. In November 2022, Twitter reversed bans on circa 60,000 accounts, allowing unsavoury users back onto the platform. This seems to further solidify Grant’s claim that the company has ‘dropped the ball’ on the enforcement of its rules.

This dilemma is better understood in the context of Twitter’s declining staff numbers. Under Musk’s leadership, the company’s workforce has decreased from 8,000 to 1,500. It is unknown how many of the lost employees would have been responsible for content moderation.

Conclusion

Twitter’s current situation is turbulent. Musk’s efforts at protecting freedom of speech are challenged by eSafety’s legal ultimatum and a costly strike for non-compliance. How Twitter responds to eSafety’s demand will become increasingly interesting as the final days draw closer. Nonetheless, this situation may encourage other social media platforms to tighten their control on harmful and graphic content.

By Alexander McLean