Major social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+ will be directed to remove bullying and other "harmful" online content under a federal government proposal.

But those involved say the proposal could ignore smaller networks such as Snapchat, and fail in its goal of stamping out online bullying.

Social networks: May have to remove bullying and other "harmful" online content.

As foreshadowed on Tuesday, the government is currently consulting with industry and child safety groups on the proposal, which would see a "senior Commonwealth official" appointed as e-safety commissioner.

The commissioner would field complaints about content online and direct large social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to remove offending content.