Greater powers on cyber safety
Australia is looking to boost the powers of its online safety cop to crack down on cyber bullying, doxxing, internet pile-ons, revenge porn and other abuse, while making big tech companies foot the enforcement bill.
A sweeping review of the Online Safety Act will also delve into the harms caused by algorithms and artificial intelligence, and examine increasing penalties for wrongdoing.
It will investigate whether it is appropriate to recover costs from social media giants and tech companies to fund the eSafety Commissioner’s regulatory activities, according to the terms of reference released by the federal government.
Consumer affairs expert Delia Rickard will lead the review, which is due to report back in October with a range of options for strengthening the Online Safety Act.
Ms Rickard has been authorised to consider broad ranging online issues, including cyber bullying material targeted at a child, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberabuse targeting an adult, and material that depicts “abhorrent violent conduct”.
The review will also look at online hate, “volumetric attacks” known as internet pileons or doxxing, in which personal information is released online, gender-based violence using technology and the online abuse of public figures and those who require an online presence for their job.
Australia’s regulation of harms caused by technologies like generative AI, the metaverse and algorithms, such as the systems used to recommend video content on social media, will also be reviewed.
Ms Rickard will look at whether the current information gathering, investigative and enforcement powers of the eSafety Commissioner are sufficient. The review will also investigate the possibility of Australia adopting a “duty of care” requirement for social media companies toward users.