The Commonwealth eSafety Commissioner has stepped in to exercise her powers to prevent the spread of a horrific video and manifesto produced by the recent United States’ Buffalo terror attack shooter.
According to eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, strong new powers under Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021 empowered the Commission to remove the material which was assessed to advocate a terrorist act.
“The terror attack in the US city of Buffalo over the weekend was a senseless act of violence fuelled by racial hatred,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the many innocent victims,” she said.
“eSafety is taking strong and decisive action to protect Australians from exposure to this horrific material and to prevent it being used to promote, incite or instruct in further terrorist acts.”
Ms Inman Grant said eSafety received two complaints in relation to the attack video and manifesto.
“Further investigation by eSafety identified additional online locations where the video and manifesto were being hosted,” she said.
“If the websites and hosting services refuse to comply with the notices, eSafety has a range of further compliance and enforcement options under the Act.”
“Some of the worst fringe sites in the world host this terrible material and I make no apology for taking action against them to ensure Australians are protected,” Ms Inman Grant said.
