Cyber Bureaucrats Fail to Prevent Online Crime

Commentary

Australia has been a pioneer in online safety, being the first country to establish an eSafety Commission in 2015—impressive, right?

However, simply having a Commission does not guarantee actual eSafety.

Recent incidents indicate that despite our eSafety infrastructure, we significantly lag behind other countries when it comes to ensuring people’s safety online.

For instance, an Israeli crime syndicate based in Serbia defrauded 90,000 individuals from 90 countries, totaling €350 million (US$378 million), with 34,000 (38%) victims hailing from Australia, losing €130 million (US$140 million).

This stark contrast in victim numbers highlights our shortcomings in keeping our citizens safe online, with Canada being the only other country coming close with 14,000 victims.

It was reported that German police provided detailed information to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in June 2023 about the crime, but no actions were taken. There was no effort to notify potential victims to prevent further loss or initiate legal proceedings.

The blame has been solely on ASIC, but other organizations like the police, the eSafety Commission, possibly the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and the online platforms themselves all share responsibility.

Despite having social media platforms like Facebook for over 20 years, our criminal law framework still lacks adequate structures to address online scams efficiently.

In contrast, German authorities appear to be more proactive in combating online crime.

Instead of focusing on actual criminals, Australian authorities have been preoccupied with enforcing the Online Safety Act to prevent online bullying and restrict dissenting opinions through the Misinformation and Disinformation Act.

Petty Scam, Rampant Identity Theft

You may have encountered the typical scam involving a well-known celebrity promising financial secrets, resulting in victims losing an average of A$5,882 (US$3,880) each.

While this scam seems obvious, it continues to be successful, raising concerns about the authorities’ inaction.

Furthermore, fraudulent friend requests and profiles should have been detected and prevented by platforms like Facebook.

The failure to address these issues raises questions about the effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.

Accountability and Coordination

It is essential for organizations like ASIC, the eSafety Commission, ACMA, and law enforcement agencies to prioritize addressing online scams and improving internet safety.

Real coordination and accountability are necessary to combat online fraud and protect individuals from harm.

Priorities and Action

In a country where talk seems to overshadow action, there is a pressing need for tangible efforts to combat online threats.

Rather than focusing on global networking, regulators like the eSafety Commissioner should address domestic online harms and hold platforms accountable for fraudulent activities.

Law enforcement, including police cybercrime units, should actively engage in combating online scams and ensuring the safety of internet users.