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Meta tells Indigenous inquiry it has no content moderators in Australia

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Meta informed an Australian senate inquiry that it is unaware if any of its content moderators are Indigenous.
  • The company also revealed that none of its content moderators are based in Australia, though some are Australian citizens.
  • Meta defended its content moderation policies, highlighting efforts to combat online hate against First Nations Australians, including expanding slur lists and providing funding to fact-checkers.

Meta has stated it is "not aware" if any of its content moderators are Indigenous, during a senate inquiry examining racism against First Nations Australians. The tech giant also revealed that none of its content moderators are physically located in Australia, although some are Australian citizens.

This disclosure came as the inquiry heard evidence that online hatred against Indigenous people has increased, particularly since the failed 2023 referendum on creating an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Senator Jana Stewart expressed disbelief, stating, "I find it pretty extraordinary that you don't have any of your moderators in Australia to fully appreciate the Australian experience of racism." She added that this seemed at odds with Meta's claims of taking such matters seriously.

I find it pretty extraordinary that you don't have any of your moderators in Australia to fully appreciate the Australian experience of racism.

— Senator Jana StewartExpressing disbelief at Meta's lack of in-country content moderators during a senate inquiry.

Meta's representatives, including Director of Policy for Australia and New Zealand Mia Garlick and Head of Policy Cheryl Seeto, defended the company's approach. Seeto mentioned the creation of an advisory group to combat online hate, which includes members from First Nations communities and academic experts. This group meets periodically to provide advice on locally appropriate policy enforcement.

During the hearing, Meta faced accusations of inadequate responses to anti-Indigenous content, with concerns raised about the speed of removing posts that violate its hateful conduct policy. Garlick countered by highlighting actions taken around the 2023 Voice referendum, such as expanding Australia-specific slur lists, creating specific policy guidance for content reviewers, increasing funding for third-party fact-checkers, and coordinating with Australian law enforcement and electoral commissions. The inquiry, launched after an alleged attempted bombing at an Invasion Day rally, also heard concerns about insufficient data collection on racist incidents against Indigenous Australians.

And I find that at odds with your comments that you take these matters really seriously.

— Senator Jana StewartFollowing up on the lack of Australian-based content moderators.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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