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Videos capturing the attack quickly surfaced on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, appearing just hours after the initial shots were fired, and have continued to circulate extensively in the days that followed.
Major networks such as 9News have incorporated edited footage of the attacks into their broadcasts, often prefacing these segments with content warnings, and have disseminated them across various media platforms.
This situation has served as a reminder to platforms of their responsibilities, although no takedown notices have been issued yet. However, this stance could change in the future.
Here’s an overview of how some of Australia’s leading social media platforms are managing the distribution of videos related to the Bondi shooting.
According to 9news.com.au, Meta is implementing a ‘Mark as Sensitive’ warning label for videos of the Bondi shooting on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, and is restricting access to those aged 18 and older.
It does not allow allow content that glorifies, represents, or supports the attack or the perpetrators.
This is in line with the platform’s Violent and Graphic Content policies.
Meta is also partnered with third party fact checkers AAP and AFP in Australia to independently address any misinformation.
9news.com.au understands Meta is in contact with law enforcement, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, and partners from the Australian Jewish community to provide assistance.
Users can unfollow or block accounts on Facebook and Instagram, and see fewer posts about the shooting by marking themselves as ‘not interested’ in that content.
TikTok does not allow violent or graphic content on its platform.
Any videos from the Bondi shooting that breach its strict Community Guidelines is proactively removed, according to TikTok.
Users can report any content that they believe breaches the guidelines.
Users can also limit what they see by blocking accounts, marking themselves as ’not interested’ in specific videos and using keyword filters to block content.
YouTube is closely monitoring videos on its platform and prioritising verified news content on its homepage, and in search and recommendations.
This is to help users stay informed, according to a YouTube spokesperson.
All content on YouTube must still follow its Community Guidelines.
These guidelines prohibit violent and graphic content, including from the Bondi shooting, particularly if it does not provide sufficient context for viewers.
Some graphic content may be age restricted and come with a warning to viewers.
These videos will not auto-play and users must click “continue” in order to watch them, including in the Shorts feed.
Users can also limit what they see by blocking accounts and marking themselves as ’not interested’ in specific videos.
A Reddit spokesperson confirmed to 9news.com.ay that the platform’s dedicated safety teams are removing content that violates its policies, including graphic footage of the shooting.
“Our sitewide policies explicitly prohibit content that promotes hate based on identity or vulnerability, as well as content that encourages, glorifies, incites, or calls for violence or physical harm against an individual or group of people,” they said.
“This includes antisemitism.”
The spokesperson said steps are being taken to prevent graphic footage of the attack from spreading further on Reddit.
Users are able to mute subreddits that may contain images or videos from the shooting and block accounts posting content they wish to avoid.
If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.