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Social networking sites could face fines if they fail to remove bullying material

The government yesterday won support from the Senate for its online safety bill, paving the way for the creation of a Childrens e-Safety Commissioner and the implementation of a system to compel social networking sites to remove bullying material.

The legislation creates a two-tier system for social networks overseen by the commissioner. Social networks can apply to the commissioner for Tier 1 social networks.

The commissioner has the authority to issue a request to social networks for the removal of "cyber-bullying material targeted at an Australian child within 48 hours," states the bill's explanatory memorandum.

"There will be no direct enforcement measures in relation to tier 1 services," the memorandum states.

"However, if a tier 1 service repeatedly fails to comply with requests to remove material over a 12 month period, or the Commissioner is satisfied that the service does not comply with the basic online safety requirements, the Commissioner may revoke the services tier 1 status."

Tier 2 covers social media services declared by the communications minister. Tier 2 social networks that don't rapidly remove bullying material could face fines.

The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate.

"This is a very significant milestone in the Government's work to make the internet safer for Australian children," the parliamentary secretary to the minister for communications, Paul Fletcher, said in a statement.

"It is very pleasing to see the bipartisan support for this bill which in turn reflects the message that politicians across the spectrum are hearing from Australia's parents, children and teachers about the importance of keeping children safe online and doing more to protect children against the threat of cyberbullying."

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Senate passes legislation to crack down on social media

18 hours ago by Rob Payne She says more research is needed into social networking sites, noting that their openness creates unique social pressures which differ from the physical world. Credit: IBoomMedia

Getting a response to a request for assistance on social media may have more to do with your request's timing than how many followers you have, research suggests.

The insight comes from a Curtin University study that asked 459 participants to evaluate a 'newly developed' social networking site.

During this task, participants were subject to two requests, one asking them to join a follow-up trial and the other to donate money to a children's charity.

Some participants were led to believe the request was made to them alone, while others believed it was made to them with one, three or 14 other people online.

Study author Katie Martin says the results suggest the 'diffusion of responsibility' principle found in the physical world works differently in the virtual world.

"A lot of research has been done on bystander affect, especially in emergencies, with outcomes showing that the more people who are involved in a situation, the less likely an individual is to respond to a call for help," Ms Martin says.

"What we found with social media was that if a request is made to you alone or to one other person, you're more likely to respond, with social diffusion maxing out at around four people.

"So adding more people doesn't have any effect on the likelihood you'll receive a positive response."

However they found the timing of a request did impact on offers of assistance.

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Facebook help a matter of timing

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A prisoner serving a seven-year sentence robbing a cash transit van has posted photos onto Facebook of him posing with fellow inmates.

Mobile phones and social networking sites are banned from prisons, but this didn't stop dad-of-six Adam Ali posting updates from his cell at Featherstone prison in Wolverhampton, the Birmingham Mail reported.

Some of his 384 friends complimented his lifestyle, with one saying: "Looks like a nice flat you got there.

"Is it one or two bedroom, make sure you lock the front door of a night.

"I've heard it's a bit rough in that area, full of criminals."

That is where he is serving a seven-year sentence for his part in robbing a cash transit van carrying 465,000 to Staffordshire's V Festival in August 2013.

Investigation: The prison will investigate the findings on Adam Ali's Facebook page

Jail bosses are now investigating the Facebook uploads, which were removed within hours of the Birmingham Mail contacting them.

Ali, from Cotman Close, Great Barr, was jailed last June for the robbery in which a van driver was taken hostage at Hopwood Service Station on the M42 by gang members wearing hoods and ski masks.

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Crook caught posting photos on Facebook from his prison cell

Students facing their board exams have a new burden to tackle: social media.

The popularity of Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram and the smartphone revolution has seen more teenagers take to social networking. What was meant for communication is now an addiction, feels Prince Gajendrababu, general secretary of the State platform for the Common School System.

Many students are all too willing to give up social networking for now. WhatsApp is the worst because youre always checking messages, adds Pavithra Yamurugan of Good Shepherd.

However, others believe that apps can help in preparation. On Facebook chats, we compare notes about difficult chapters, says Mithila Iyer, a student at Lady Andal. My friend sent me important notes for an exam on WhatsApp which was of immense help, says Anirudh Bhaskanan of D.A.V.

Striking a balance is what is essential, according to Nirica Srinivasan of Sishya, Its possible to get distracted even without social media, she says, Ultimately, it comes down to how much self control you have.

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