The Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society is holding its first public hearing on Friday, 21 June as part of its inquiry into the influence and impacts of social media on Australian society.

As part of its Terms of Reference the Committee is exploring the decision of Meta to abandon deals under the News Media Bargaining Code, the important role of Australian news and public interest journalism in countering mis and disinformation on digital platforms, and broader issues relating to the influences and impacts of what Australians see on social media.

The Committee will hear from representatives of Nine Entertainment, News Corp Australia, Seven West Media, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, Australian Community Media, Country Press Australia, Digital Publishers Alliance, Australian Communications and Media Authority, and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Committee Chair Ms Kate Thwaites MP said ‘Australians are concerned about the impact social media is having across many areas of our community. The committee will be hearing about how social media companies operate in Australia, the impact that has, and considering what changes we need to see’.

The Committee is due to table its interim report on or before 15 August 2024. The final report is due to be tabled on or before 18 November 2024.

Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the Committee’s webpage.

Public hearing details in Canberra

Time: 9.00 am – 4.30 pm (AEST)

Date: Friday, 21 June 2024

Location: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House

The hearing will be broadcast live at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Read_Listen.