Should Facebook be more transparent?

9 Aug 2012
Share This
0 
+ Comment
9
(AAP)

(AAP)

Facebook Australia is facing criticism over a lack of transparency in its operating polices, after a user-generated page which racially abused Indigenous people was finally taken down last night.

The Australian Human Rights Commission labelled the page 'vilifying' and SBS understands it has received complaints warranting an investigation. But Facebook, which urges its users and society to be more transparent, has refused to discuss the issue or its policies.

RELATED

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube

Join the Discussion

Name
City / Suburb E.g. Artarmon, Sydney
Title
Comment
You have characters remaining.
Validation
What's this?
This is a captcha-picture. It is used to prevent mass-access by robots.
All submitted comments become the property of SBS. They are moderated, so we reserve the right to edit comments and remove HTML tags. Not all submitted comments will be published. Publication does not mean we endorse the opinions expressed. Please read our terms and conditions for more information.

Your Comments

Facebook and their double standards

Gai - from Brisbane, 8 months ago

Facebook won't ban groups abusing rights such as Jill Meagher. However if someone accuses u of violating rights and being offensive and complains to facebook, they block you. 2nd accusation you are locked out for 24 hrs and threatens if it happens again your account will be terminated. In my case I posted about my ancestors that are deceased. Facebook doesn't allow you to explain your side of the story. automatically shut out and your post removed. Double standards yes!

I have a cunning plan...

Balderick - from Paris, 8 months ago

Facebook is a law unto itself. Why does anyone expect a multi-national social media network golaith take any notice or have regard for a country's laws. Never interested in FB, never had an account, like to defend what privacy I have left without sharing it with those that cannot distinguish fantasy from reality! Time to go for a walk and chat with real people in the street.

Conflict

Ron - from Noosa, 8 months ago

The internet is about free thought, governments, religions and the media aren't. You don't like what you see move on, you disagree, tell someone, but don't whinge because someone has a differing opinion or thinks you're a turkey. Can't cope with that amount of freedom, don't go online or have an online presence others can identify as you. Don't call for legislation, that's just 'a kid called me a name so I'm going to get my dad/big brother to get you' ... grow up or get off!

People should be accountable for their actions

Anne - from Perth, 9 months ago

Not everyone is racist like some would like to believe, in the 21st century we should be past all the stereotyping and vilifying people because of race, colour, religion or sexual preferences. Facebook should have the power and the interest to take down any offensive material, the meme page (despite - crappy and immature) was offensive to enough people, that it should have taken down and not been brushed off as humour.

get off your arses and try

geo - from gold coast, 10 months ago

Jeepers why do people even worry abiut facebook, get off your arses and look outside at the birdes and the bees and guess what you wont find anhy ciber bullying out there. . .give it away, you have one crack at life, dont get bogged down by all the crap that goes on via the internet, wake up before its too late and you just get sucked into ciber life. . . pull the power off your computer and get out into life, you will enjoy it its great, hey you might meet nice people out there as well. .try.

No need for Human Rights or like minded orgs telling facebook what to do

My Girl Friday - from Brisbane, 10 months ago

Facebook is a social media tool and so it will attract users who will create distasteful content and content which could be viewed as racist and discriminating etc - should a social media tool be held responsible for the failings of society? Surely users can make their own minds up,like other media, to switch off or delete? The Human Rights people would serve "villified communities" more effectively by getting out from behind their luxury offices and actually work and engage in needs based areas

Is this really the kind of world you want your kids to grow up in?

The Duke - from Lake Heights, NSW, 10 months ago

Just because racism exists, it doesn't mean that it should be freely available on places like Facebook. What if you find jokes about "cripples" funny, then your kids, or you, are in an accident & you become one of those those pathetic people you used to laugh your head off at? Are you going to enjoy becoming the butt of other intolerant people's humour, plus have to deal with the issues arising from your disability? I think Dr M IS jaded, & has taken his bit of name-calling very personally.

true

kouler - from southern cross, 10 months ago

sadly, the facebook article did not print anything we did not know already.

Everyone's a little bit racist....

DrMubutu - from Rockhampton, 10 months ago

Isn't it supposed to be a microcosm of society? I mean, I don't agree with it, but it's interesting the amount of vitriol it's attracted. Bear in mind: I do live in a bogan town, so I've heard EVERY off-colour joke going, so that may distort my view somewhat. I may also be jaded, having been called a "racist cunt", I'd wager more times than you've had hot breakfasts, for not giving aboriginals free alcohol. Where is this outrage against the 'ERMAGERD' meme? Surely it's just as vilifying....