‘Stunning move’: Meta suspends RMIT FactLab after posts on the Voice were censored

In a “stunning move” by Facebook, Meta has suspended its fact checkers at RMIT University after a series of posts related to the Voice referendum were censored and labelled “misinformation,” according to Sky News host Sharri Markson.
“This is a serious issue, the curtailing of free speech and political opinions, particularly on the basis that they’re misinformation,” Ms Markson said.
“It shouldn’t be a word bandied about so easily.
“They may be opinions you don’t agree with, they may be unfashionable opinions, but it doesn’t make them false or conspiracies.”

[@VK6AB-]

There needs to be consequences for the ABC, if they colluded with RMIT.

[@Kwesekara1672]

The ABC has become a publicly funded neo-Marxist propaganda machine.

[@skirtonbear1]

No government should be censoring the public. The social media platforms shouldn't either.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

and whom exactly is going to force social media to stop? How dumb is the rest of the World that you stupid mofos dont understand Freedom in the least... Govt and Corporations are totally different things. Corporations in a Laisse-Fair system of Govt are simply another INDIVIDUAL PERSON making a transaction that you both agree on. Socialists stare in blank silence as they try to digest what I just said... Of course their response will be pure stupidity because they all think Govt and Corporations should be partners against free people....

[@simplygreen5832]

When social media companies act under the guidance of the state they are state agents.

[@seandelap8587]

Who knew that FB did something right for a change

[@snafubar5491]

Because FB is so Pure and Holy, no doubt.

[@aaronnunn5240]

So we don't realise the influence of the next US election

[@willnewby5204]

FB are scum, there will be some even darker reason for them stopping this.

[@VK6AB-]

I suspect the fact checkers accreditation was no longer valid and given they received money from Facebook and given the clear cut bias and relationship to the ABC there may be ramifications around foreign interference in elections. Terrible look for ABC and RMIT.

[@tin2001]

It's quite a surprise... I'll be honest... if they keep that up for more than 5 minutes, I'll consider signing back up.

[@Rosie05610]

VOTE-NO-TO "VOICE FOR PARLIAMENT"

[@Kwesekara1672]

And if you vote ‘Yes’ be prepared to pay huge retrospective reparation for living on what they claim was ‘Stolen Land’ 235 years ago.

[@kevinsmith3671]

Write NO.

[@jasonmann5019]

Nicely done Sky News. You have a very intelligent, and just as important, a caring and trustworthy team. Thank you to you all. Best wishes Jason from Melbourne Victoria.

[@Rosie05610]

No one should have the power to censor freedom of speech period

[@jedimaster1046]

Fact check or do you mean censorship.

[@LA-fb6pw]

FB had no choice because federal would have to investigate them under foreign interference. Trust me FB did not do this out of the kindness of their heart.

[@paulfaigl8329]

Spot on. These are all crooks. Let's go Brandon 🤠

[@willnewby5204]

How can we be expected to vote on something that NO one can explain?

[@dumpstersanchez5205]

It’s an advisory body, as per the wording of the change

[@dildoswaggins2907]

@@dumpstersanchez5205just like the health advice over the last few years that turned everything to shit. Govern me harder daddy

[@peterbuckley3877]

@@dumpstersanchez5205yet nobody can explain anything about this “ advisory body”. There are a number of legitimate questions about its make up, roles, responsibilities, powers and so forth that the people deserve to be given answers to BEFORE they vote on it. It’s the detail that needs to be explained first and it seems fir some reason the government is afraid to do that. The Voice offers nothing that can’t be done right now by legislation so if it truely is about outcomes why is the government not using the power it has now? The most dangerous thing you can do is hand anybody more power when they fail to use the power they already have.

[@aaronnunn5240]

Sharri you keep doing better and the biggest stories too. Thankyou

[@davemclean3899]

Places such as RMIT love diversity however not when it comes to political opinion

[@secondchance6603]

Or having diverse opinions.

[@flyonthewalltheatre]

vote NO.

[@williambenner701]

In the name of being truthful, Facebook needs to change its name to Fakebook, starting immediately.😎

[@christan3719]

Really?? ... what about "fraudboobs" ? ... LOL

[@paulfaigl8329]

Hahaha. Fakebook 😮😂😮 Great. Let's go Brandon 🤠

[@williambenner701]

Fraud boobs don't have the same ring as Fakebook to me though... Fraud Boobs, what are you six?🤣

[@Kwesekara1672]

What a good idea!

[@seanrhone5306]

So funny, Meta saying “it wasn’t us” when it was their own “fact checkers”.

[@wolfsokaya]

Biased fact checkers? Who would have thought. Wouldnt be the first.

[@HerfingPug]

Excellent. RMIT should be ashamed of it self and has zero credibility.

[@AwakenedAvocado]

Stunning and brave

[@kctaz6189]

"Censorship is contagious, and experience with this culture of regulation teaches us that regulatory enthusiasts herald each new medium of communications as another opportunity to spread the disease." Robert Corn-Revere

[@Pedroaghyu]

How corrupt

[@stevemedley8331]

Albow must go vote no

[@jenniferwilson5358]

Very important decision, as it should be.

[@ianjones7740]

Vote NO.

[@snuggles03]

write ‘NO’

[@anitakerry3032]

In pen

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

I'm so jaded, I have trouble believing this isn't a PR stunt.

[@johnsbackwithcommonsense7628]

So they are allowed to say what they want but if your comment doesn't suit their agenda it gets deleted right?

[@rodneyh7151]

U tube does the same

[@johnsbackwithcommonsense7628]

@@rodneyh7151 Yep👍

[@peterpiper831]

That's also the gist of albosleazy's misinformation and disinformation bill.

[@casparoberts1282]

This is great to hear, good on you FB👍

[@strategicviewpoint6672]

Both ABC and RMIT should be defunded. End of story.

[@paulbirtles2807]

Typical. Corruption incorporated*

[@paulhanahoe-sp4hn]

Good on you Mr musk

[@allanfifield8256]

The Fix is In!

[@elizaj4431]

I'm just gobsmacked shocked Meta would actually take action against biased censorship.

[@BrewmasterN8]

I'm surprised meta did something. Im waiting for the other shoe to drop...whats going on

[@mark703]

We will remember them.

[@piersculley6419]

Why don't they wheel in a TV into Parliament and play that clip right in front of Albo where Megan Davis states the Uluru Statement is 18 pages long, someone surely has it in their archive. I'd love to see Albo back pedal on that one.

[@videowilliams]

I suppose he'd say "Oh that's the accompanying documents, I was talking about the statement" like a typical slimy lawyer.

[@franknirvana1]

why do social media companies even have the right to fact check when most facts are subjective?? ffs pass a bill to ban fact checking innocent by law posts

[@someoneelse9059]

Fact check… It’s woke speak for censorship.

[@DavidBrowne-wx7cm]

The AFP has claimed it has been difficult for them to lay charges for foreign interference in social media because of the law. Surely, this appears to be a different kettle of fish. This is not foreign interference but Australians at RMIT, and I would assume the government, interfering in the process of disseminating information pertinent to an upcoming referendum. The whole Fact Checking group at RMIT should be questioned, and if applicable charged under the law if said laws exist. I can see the Left in Australia seeing the FBI, the DOJ and the White House getting away with it in the US so why shouldn't they do it. There should be equal justice under the law. The question is can we trust the AFP to be impartial?

[@jkgoogle5185]

Auntie Gucci (Linda Burney )... I'm voting NO... And NO to using Qantas ever again.. Send Qantas broke...

[@tin2001]

I've read through the first 26 pages of the documents released under FOI. I've skimmed over and read parts of the remaining ~100 pages of notes. It is very clear to me that: * Page 1 is a summary of the following 25 pages. * Pages 1-26 are the full statement. * There are roughly 8 pages worth of footnotes and diagrams within those first 26 pages, which equates to the 18 pages stated by it's co-creators. Anyone who claims to have read the document and still says it is 1 page is a liar. They're either lying about having read it, or lying about the contents. Those claiming the other 25 page are meeting notes are lying or haven't read it. Those notes are on the 100 pages following the 25. There shouldn't be any debate about this. It's bloody obvious the moment you read beyond page 1. How are we at the stage that people just ignore straight up obvious facts?

[@videowilliams]

Thanks for taking the trouble to do that. As you say it isn't rocket science to get hold of the document itself but so few bother, including me, and the government relies on this to get a YES on the basis of warm & fuzzy feelings.

[@tba3900]

There are plenty of people that can share some fact checks about RMIT.

[@kierangillespie1341]

They should all be sacked over this what a complete joke

[@petewest5973]

Oh great / Australian democracy being colluded by Sepo uni students

[@peterflynn2111]

Real Marxist Institute of Thickology not surprised

[@peterforsythe3643]

Why are you guys saying USFH is 26 pages long is a “contested point”? It’s not. It’s crystal clear what the framers of the Uluru Statement included. You’re weak if you give away the concept that it’s “disputed” or “contested”. No.

[@georgiakerek7999]

No!

[@brutechurchill]

Same was happening during covid.

[@gary53]

Better late than never...

[@johnblackstock4092]

About bloody time.

[@sureshkaran]

It's been more than 2 years since I deleted my fb account and it's been great. FB doesn't add any value to your life.

[@redhammer9910]

How to tell if you are being censored on YT. Post your comment. If the counter remains on zero minutes you are being censored because you have been targeted. Even on Rumble Australians are being censored. Scary isn't it !

[@lena19191]

Let me guess ..some of the facts they had to check were true

[@ACDZ123]

Ha ha yep 😅

[@gregorylumpkin2128]

News you can't trust, opinions you can ignore. We are rapidly disappearing up our own rabbit holes.

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

We are good we do the right thing…

[@drinno8900]

Calling the voice a black tax is accurate just like climate net zero is a green tax

[@thepretenda]

PARTY TIME! ARREST THEM ALL. ROYAL COMMISSION TIME!!

[@ruprectgreatrex9153]

RMIT FakeLab

[@mrlux80]

There is conspiracy out there 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 and that's from Albo the WEF Muppet 🤣🤣🤣🤣put John Howard back in the game and let's play 😉😉🍻🍻🍻♥️☮️🇦🇺

[@skulptor]

Tip of the iceberg.

[@lukehonnor9611]

You mean truth denied

[@philliplee1193]

This tv program tests the endurance of patience in listening to redundancies, apparent in the school teacher position that fb assumes itself to be, in. It reinforces eavesdropping public conversation, then banning the wrongful comments, but allowing the smearing comments about the perpetrators; sending our medium back to school & perhaps the principle’s office.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

The Voice isnt a TV show in Australia?

[@fsm12385]

Gotta love the back stepping movement 🎉

[@mikeymusic1]

A F T about fuc(ing time !!!👏👏👏👏👏

[@TroyShahanMusic]

Maybe Meta/Facebook shouldn’t have a ministry of truth (or truth police). That’s a big reason. I haven’t gone on my timeline in three or four years.

[@dinkidink5912]

Who will babysit the babysitter's?

[@ideaphile]

.... and what of all the other things they were censoring? Will they re-instate content and apologise?

[@POGPlanet-n5h]

Dam this is damming information.

[@rizzlervontrappe1515]

If you’re going to be virtuous, you lose all credibility if you start filtering information that doesn’t align with your point of view. This is a bloody disgrace, and the reason I’ll be voting ‘NO’

[@leeklein8173]

Well done meta

[@jemzargo]

Albo calls it disinformation, the fact checkers take up Albo's call, Meta uses the fact checkers view the censor. This is how it works.

[@Watching58]

My university assignments went longer than a page, but we can change the constitution in a page? 🤔

[@Watching58]

Hang on… my electricity bill goes longer than a page too.

[@pennywallace9362]

The Uluru Statement is more than one page. This exposes Albo as an idiot! Nothing less. We are not idiots and will not tolerate our idiot politicians treating us as idiots.

[@lozfromozlyons4749]

Friends shouldn’t let friends Facebook ….mmmm perhaps a T shirt

[@DanIbarra-wg1uw]

Im not even on Facebook their a bunch of bull

[@davidcrockford9034]

Who here remembers the statement to be 27 pages I serntenly do that's fact

[@jayhorton4088]

Censorship through cov lies but the voice gets special treatment 🤷🤬

[@paulfaigl8329]

Hahaha. 🤪🐈‍⬛🤪

[@matthansberry5795]

Fairness, from fact, checkers, what a laugh they’re all left, leaning Loneys

[@shareel.ratten4741]

Wow. I did work experience at RMIT Fact Checkers in 2020. Never got bad vibes from my supervisors. 😳

[@williambristow9610]

About time

[@creditelectric]

I don't read facebook or twitter, if you vote it is assumed you are capable of comprehending the issues for yourself.I certainly don't need Sky for guidance.

[@keshavareciuga4788]

They have to otherwise they will lose to X or elon suckt into the you tube should be on notice from Rumble baby

[@habi00]

"Factlab", what a great name for creating narratives.😂

[@SeanBotha]

Sky can't complain . They were fine with it during 2020 election and is fine with it during 2024 . Can't complain when the thing you support is used against you. Clear they support rules for thee but not for me

[@shaunphillips9965]

Congratulations your first in line for a frontal lobotomy.

[@timcarter5693]

Seek help…..

[@paulchilds9137]

I would not say this is stunning victory for SKY. It is dead boring.

[@harkmay]

as if FB has been sensoring political news like fascists for the past 5+ plus and we're finally seeing some push back by Western Values and Human Rights about Free Speech and Freedom from censorship! it's a huge issue!

[@seaworldsocialartslecturer4160]

No abc stooge would.

[@shaunphillips9965]

Stick to chasing parked cars looser.

[@EllataylorakaMarisa]

Nobody under 70 uses Facebook

[@brad363]

What's Facebook?

[@beckybroomfield9399]

That’s bull.

[@EllataylorakaMarisa]

@@beckybroomfield9399 exactly it’s now obvious Facebook has been full of bull, censoring crap all over the place and that’s how we end up with idiots for PM

[@brutechurchill]

I only use it to stalk libtards

[@bigd1558]

market place has joined the chat

[@leeklein8173]

Sky news Australia it’s getting little bit boring and Fear mongering

[@lonnie224]

So now the truth is coming it’s boring is it.. 🤡

[@IpoopThere4IAM]

Who fact-checks the fact-checkers that are checking the fact-checkers fact-checking of the fact-checkers?

[@The_Deaf_Aussie]

The fact that they went extraordinary length to censor the no campaign, screams that the right choice is to vote "no". 😊 I will be voting "no". Will you?

[@peterpiper831]

WRITE NO in black ink.

[@nuclearfishin1185]

The independent fact checkers are actually independent smack tellers!!