Australia debates implementing laws against online harassment of public figures
The Labor government has initiated a public consultation on the Online Safety Act to ensure the safety of Australians.
The Albanese Labor government is exploring the expansion of the Online Safety Act to encompass online hate speech and artificial intelligence.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland stated that the government is contemplating ways to enhance the Online Safety Act for the protection of Australians.
A public consultation commenced on April 29 to examine whether additional measures are necessary to address “new and emerging harms.”
The review will encompass online hate speech, pile-on attacks, AI-generated hate content, and online harassment of public figures.
This development coincides with the Australian government’s confrontation with tech billionaire Elon Musk over the sharing of footage depicting the stabbing of a Christian bishop in Sydney.
Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized that ensuring the online safety of Australians is a top priority for the Albanese government.
Related Stories
“Our laws may be world-leading, but they are not set-and-forget. That’s why our government brought forward the statutory review to ensure these laws remain responsive to the rapidly changing digital environment,” Ms. Rowland stated.
Ms. Rowland also affirmed the importance of community engagement in the reform process to strengthen online safety laws in line with the evolving digital landscape.
