Stabbings, riots and misinformation in Sydney prompt concerns about social cohesion

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concerned about the role of social media, which allowed people to quickly mobilise and “take the law into their own hands”. “We assumed that things were normal and that resources for education and other measures were no longer required,

a wave of misinformation spread on social media about the attacker, including speculation about his skin colour and beard and claims that he was a Muslim terrorist. Others spread claims that the attacker was Jewish – a fabrication that was even reported by broadcaster Channel Seven.

The spread of misinformation during both incidents has prompted a proposed crackdown on social media. The federal government will introduce legislation later in 2024 to enable the media authority to fine social media companies that fail to take adequate steps to combat harmful misinformation and disinformation.