An online event in the wake of the Christchurch massacre is due to begin today at 1.40pm.

The event is encouraging people to log off their Facebook accounts this weekend for 50 hours, one hour for each of the victims who lost their lives.

The organiser of the Facebook shut down, who wishes to remain anonymous, says exactly one week after the shootings at 1.40pm on Friday, March 22, people are being urged to log off the social media platform.

'The event has been created with the goal of having a positive impact on the future of technology.

'If enough people around the world log off Facebook, for the 50 hour period thereby impacting revenue streams it is hoped that they will do more to prevent these atrocities from being shared on its platforms and other media outlets in the future.”

'The initiative suggests it is an opportunity for people to spend quality time with their friends, family and loved ones,” says the organiser.

The Facebook blackout is aiming to have a positive impact on the future of technology, after the horror attack went viral on Friday.

'On Friday 15 March 2019 the massacre of 50 people in Christchurch New Zealand was live streamed from Facebook and shared more than 1.5 million times around the world.

'17 minutes of the footage was broadcast and only when New Zealand police contacted Facebook did they take action.”

'More reports are emerging from individuals claiming they reported the material to the communications giant. Facebook has since tried to downplay the numbers by advising that only 200 people watched the actual live stream itself.”

The organiser, who is known to be a Tauranga local, say they encourage all New Zealanders to get involved in the blackout and individuals can take a wider stand on social media if they wish.

For more information, visit the Facebook page here.