Facebook originally started some twenty years ago with the intent of networking and sharing photos.
The role of this social networking site has changed significantly, and it’s gradually become stretched to now include political campaigning, political advertising, information, and, of course, misinformation.
During Covid, The Post started as another more traditional way to connect our community in a time of isolation. The thought of sharing stories, celebrating local heroes and, of course, inviting our local and State politicians to connect through our hyperlocal medium seemed quite logical.
So, can you always tell who you are communicating with when interacting with a community group? I think not.
Why does the community group exist? What’s its purpose?
Recently, The Post dropped an online story, and it was telling to see which community groups would run the story and which would not within the Ku-ring-gai LGA.
Given that the story is lawful, accurate and totally factual, we found this puzzling. Yet those administrators/moderators have allowed political campaigning for current politicians on another highly contentious issue based on fear.
Understandably, Facebook administrators have an obligation to monitor content to avoid litigation and will remove a post if deemed defamatory.
It appears that some Facebook community groups are quasi-media organisations masquerading as community groups. Perhaps we will see those Administrators stand at the September local government elections.
The Post will continue to shine through public interest journalism for our communities without fear or favour, including community groups on Facebook.
Stay tuned as we close in on the local government elections.
