Australia blocks 8 websites hosting Christchurch attack videos

Australian authorities have blocked eight websites for hosting video footage of the deadly Christchurch attacks.

The video, livestreamed on Facebook by the attacker while carrying out the mosque attacks, has been widely shared.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed that most websites quickly removed links to the video, but eight local sites defied her requests to delete the content.

"We cannot allow this heinous material to be used to promote, incite or instruct in further terrorist acts," Grant said in an emailed statement.

It comes as Australia works towards blocking violent content from being shared online.