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Stronger laws on social media abuse needed
Australian law needs to deal with social media abuse and defamation more effectively, making legal action and criminal charges easier to impose on offenders, according to a reputation management specialist.
Emma Musgrave
In an open letter addressed to all state and federal attorneys-general and shadow attorneys-general, Mercer PR managing director Lyall Mercer requested a review of the current laws on social media, and an inquiry into how they can be better enforced.
“We are not talking about robust debate or freedom of speech, but about reputations being damaged and people getting hurt,” he said.
“We have defined the word ‘social’ as meaning anything goes, when in any other forum this abuse would be dealt with by the law.”
Mr Mercer said while the recent debate has been around section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, the abuse in the social media space is far more widespread and harmful.
“There are too many who freely spread lies about people and companies, abuse those they know nothing about, comment on legal cases before the court – potentially jeopardising fair trials – and cause a great deal of anguish for others,” he said.
Mr Mercer said now is the time for authorities to get tough on people who harass, abuse and defame others on social media. He noted current laws make it too hard to investigate, prosecute and take defamation action.
“I’ve heard first-hand from many people who have spent years building a company or personal reputation, only to have gutless people who have never achieved anything themselves destroy what they’ve worked for,” Mr Mercer said.
“Everyone makes mistakes, but no one deserves to be attacked publicly in this way.
“Police should take abuse and harassment seriously, and defamation laws should be made easier to uphold in the social media space.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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