FACT Aotearoa (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories Aotearoa), a grassroots anti-conspiracy group, asks lawyers and other professionals to stop using private information and misinformation to advance their anti-vaccination causes.
Members of FACT Aotearoa have a number of private complaints with the New Zealand Law Society about the misuse of personal social media to promote misinformation and the sharing of private information these professionals wrongly believe supports their agenda.
FACT Aotearoa members are saddened by reports of recent deaths, and extend condolences to the families. Members have been horrified to hear there has been a sharing of names of deceased people, or identifying information, along with an unsubstantiated claim that these tragic losses are caused by the COVID vaccine. This unethical behaviour brings professions into disrepute. Requests to remove such claims by family and friends are not responded to promptly, and sometimes ignored. People who read such posts have been inspired to harass families and demand that the deaths be declared vaccine related. This behaviour is repugnant to many, and several members have complained to the Law Society about lawyer Sue Grey who has repeatedly shared such information. Complaints have also been made about this individual sharing information that is widely recognised as incorrect and dangerous.
One member of FACT Aotearoa reported “I have heard very little, and have had no final response, about a complaint submitted in May, alerting the Law society that one of their own is sharing misinformation that puts lives at risk”, while another has a complaint almost as long-standing. Members submit complaints individually, but have recently been expressing frustration with the lengthy process in the face of a global pandemic.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister requested that professionals with community standing check the information they are spreading. FACT Aotearoa urges the Law Society to issue a statement condemning the promotion of misinformation and the naming of individuals in ways that open families to harassment and abuse. They should also insist that offending social media accounts held and owned by lawyers are closed promptly, in order to preserve the integrity of the legal profession.
Media
Our open letter was covered by the New Zealand Herald. Read the full article here.
