Full Breakdown
Inquiry Probes Online Material Linked to Violence-Fixated Individuals
By Drooid · · How we work
Inquiry Focus and Scope
A current public inquiry is examining how the risks posed by individuals fixated on violence can be managed, with particular attention to the role of the internet and social-media platforms. Counsel to the inquiry, Nicholas Moss KC, explained that the investigation involved an eight-hour search across a selection of platforms—including X, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram and Discord—to assess the nature and accessibility of potentially harmful content.
Findings on Online Content
Moss reported that 98.9% of the material identified was publicly accessible, and 92.3% lacked any age-restriction controls. After the content was reported to the platforms, 87.9% remained live a week later, and 83.8% were still available fourteen days after reporting. The inquiry heard that the platforms’ removal actions were “arguably delayed” and, in some cases, failed to take down the material even after it had been reported.
Official Statements & Responses
Moss emphasized that the material ranged from content with violent overtones that might be argued as newsworthy to material that could be categorised as “very violent or strong gore.” He noted that all identified material was reported to the respective platforms, yet a substantial portion persisted online for weeks. Platform representatives from TikTok, Reddit, X and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) have been invited to give evidence to the inquiry in the coming month.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The report outlines the result of a single eight-hour search across a selection of online platforms including X, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram and Discord.” — Nicholas Moss KC
- “It ranges from material with violent overtones, but which might be argued to be newsworthy, to material which can fairly be categorised as very violent or strong gore material.” — Nicholas Moss
Upcoming Platform Testimonies
Representatives of the major platforms are expected to appear before the inquiry in November, where they will be questioned about the reported delays and failures to remove the flagged content.