Gaughan [Australian Federal Poilce Assistant Commissioner] called for Facebook to introduce a dedicated local law liaison in this country - an idea Facebook has resisted in the past - as well as a "report abuse" button on each profile page and age-verification software to prevent under-13s becoming members.
"We're certainly seeing instances of stalking and grooming people for sexual activity. We are seeing instances where illegal content is being shared among users as well," Gaughan told ABC radio.
A North Sydney man, who wants to be known only as Barry, tells The Australian of his frustration when he attempted to get help from Facebook proving the identity of the person he believes has stalked him for 18 years and sent death threats to his friends and family.
Barry believes the stalker used the contacts on his Facebook page (which he has since shut down) and that a check by the organisation would confirm it.
When he contacted Facebook head office he was told the request had to come from the police. When a NSW detective contacted Facebook with the same request, however, he was told the company would not act without a court order.
"I am increasingly frustrated with Facebook's lack of care about my situation, and the fact they refused the NSW Police's request shows what little regard they have for people's personal safety," Barry says.
Cyber safety expert and vice-president of i-SAFE in Australia Rod Nockles says it can take local law enforcement agencies 18 months or more to gain access to information from companies with US headquarters such as Facebook by following the cumbersome Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, and he says there is a need to harmonise legislation "across various jurisdictions".
