Hearing Block 3: Online, social media and media

Scope

This hearing block focused on the dissemination of antisemitic content and other forms of hateful speech in the online environment, as well as antisemitism in traditional media and broadcasting, including:

Online

This element gathered evidence relevant to Paragraphs (a)(i)-(iv) and (d) of the Commission's terms of reference. In particular, the hearing block examined:

1. the nature, prevalence and drivers of antisemitism and other forms of hateful speech online, with a focus upon social media platforms and other online forums that facilitate the dissemination of antisemitic and religiously and ideologically motivated extremist content
2. the impact of antisemitism and other harmful behaviours in the online sphere on Jewish Australians
3. the effectiveness of existing policies, procedures and systems adopted by the operators of social media platforms and other online forums in preventing and responding to instances of hateful speech online, with a focus upon antisemitic and religiously and ideologically motivated extremist content
4. the effectiveness of existing policy settings relating to the online safety environment in preventing and responding to instances of hateful speech online, with a focus upon antisemitic and religiously and ideologically motivated extremist content
5. the effectiveness of cooperation between law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and platforms in combatting hateful speech online, with a focus upon antisemitic and religiously and ideologically motivated extremist content, and sharing information relevant to their respective functions and responsibilities, and
6. the potential for further practical and effective responses and measures to address deficiencies identified in response to the previous lines of inquiry.

Media

This element gathered evidence relevant to Paragraphs (a)(i)-(iv) and (d) of the Commission's terms of reference. In particular, the hearing block examined:

1. the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in public media organisations and the processes that those organisations have in place to identify and address antisemitism
2. the impact of antisemitism in traditional media on the daily life of Jewish Australians
3. the governance structures, processes and policies that public media organisations have in place to manage allegations of antisemitism and the effectiveness of those measures in responding to antisemitism, and
4. the role played by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA), in responding to antisemitism, including through its existing complaints handling functions.

Applications for leave to appear

The Royal Commission invited persons who considered they had a direct and substantial interest in the scope of this hearing block to make an application for leave to appear by no later than 4:00pm (AEST) on Thursday 18 June 2026.

An application for leave to appear was not how witnesses were selected. For more information, please refer to Witnesses at Royal Commission.