“The appeal court has shown that Australian defamation law is completely out of step with the realities of publishing in the digital age, and how Australians consume news and information.

“The decision fails to acknowledge that it is Facebook that controls its platform, including that Facebook gives media companies no ability to turn off comments on their pages. It is Facebook that must be held responsible for content posted by its users, not media companies.

“Today’s decision means the media cannot share any story via Facebook without fear of being sued for comments which they did not publish and have no control over.

“It also creates the extraordinary situation where every public Facebook page – whether it be held by politicians, businesses or courts – is now liable for third party comments on those pages. 

“We are considering the judgement carefully with a view to seeking special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia.  

“We also reiterate our calls for urgent law reform in this area.”

For more information:
Miranda Ward
Communications Manager
miward@nine.com.au

Monday, June 1, 2020