Facebook is big, really big. But that can't really excuse the lousy job they do with hate speech and fake news that continues to run rampant on the platform.

In the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attack, this has never been more evident.

The attack was live streamed on Facebook and made its way to many other platforms and websites before Facebook took it down. But by then it was too late.

I wrote an editorial some time back about 'free speech' and what that really means, especially in Australia. I think it's worth revisiting this. Australia doesn't have 'free speech'. Not without consequences.

Allowing hate to spread in the name of 'free speech' is a fallacy. You don't interview someone being attacked by a bear and go 'hold up, let's hear what the bear has to say before we make any judgements.'

How would these people - given complete control - yield their 'free speech' that they so fervently argue is being taken away.

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People have used the internet to spread hate and harass others but to what end? What happened in New Zealand is the sad destination that this path can lead to.

When a photo of a female AFL player is removed after it becomes flooded with sexist and inappropriate comments, how many young female sportspeople saw this and decided to never post a photo of themselves playing their favourite sport? Is that freedom?

Is it freedom when someone can't express love for someone or themselves without being shamed for their choices or how they were born?

Is it really freedom when you can't walk the streets or worship at your sacred place without fear of violence?

The media has as much of a responsibility as the social media platforms to moderate hate and misinformation.

Sunrise put Senator Pauline Hanson on the spot recently in light of vile comments made by Senator Fraser Anning about the Christchurch massacre.

The problem is that many times in the past, Sunrise has hosted Senator Hanson to speak on issues where she is able to freely spread fear and hate to the audience, all presented uncritically by the same people that waved their righteousness around when it suited them.

It is a shameful double standard.

Someone very wise once said: "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."