Support for Christchurch call

New Zealand and global investors representing more than $5 trillion have added their support to the Christchurch Call, which sets out voluntary commitments for governments, companies and wider society to work together to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

Thursday, May 16th 2019, 8:55PM 1 Comment

Launched at a summit in Paris attended by world leaders and the major tech companies, the Christchurch Call is an initiative of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Spokesman for the investor group New Zealand Super Fund chief executive Matt Whineray said the Christchurch Call by global leaders aligned well with the collective push by the investors.

“The investor initiative supports the Christchurch Call and part of our engagement with social media companies will involve monitoring and ensuring accountability for the Christchurch Call commitments made,” he said.

In the immediate aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attack, New Zealand-based investors joined by others from around the world to collectively engage with the social media companies Facebook, Google and Twitter. The objective of the engagement is to get the social media companies to strengthen controls that will prevent the live streaming and distribution of objectionable content.

“It is important there is a globally coordinated response to the attack, which is why it is positive to see governments and tech companies coming together to search for solutions,” Whineray said.

“We look forward to reinforcing the Christchurch Call by engaging directly with the companies themselves to drive change. As shareholders and investors we will use our collective leverage to raise concerns with the companies’ board and management on these issues.”

The investor initiative now has 55 funds participating, representing more than $5 trillion of assets under management.

Tags: responsible investing

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Comments from our readers

On 23 May 2019 at 5:29 pm Maxwell K said:
While I think the intent is desirable I have real concerns when politicians get involved in what is acceptable as the right to free speech and what is defined as unacceptable.

You have the looney far left and the green mob, plus the PC brigade and minority groups that may wish to enforce their opinions on the majority and could achieve such via political posturing.

Where will it stop what is acceptable and what isn't?

Who will determine what is acceptable.

Will this put a muzzle on the Press?
I have found over the years that politicians cannot be trusted, their interest is to gain or regain power and in doing so many sell their values and their constituents best interests out for cents in the dollar.
I agree in principal with the good intent but have to ask the question is this the thin edge of wedge?

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