Australia Contemplates Enacting Legislation to Combat ‘Online Abuse Targeting Public Figures’

Australia is taking steps to combat online abuse targeting public figures with the potential enactment of new legislation. The Labor government, led by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, has opened a public consultation on the Online Safety Act to address “new and emerging harms” in the digital landscape.

The consultation, which began on April 29, aims to consider the inclusion of online hate, pile-on attacks, artificial intelligence-generated hate content, and online abuse of public figures within the Online Safety Act. The government is determined to strengthen the legislation and ensure the safety of Australians online.

This move comes in the wake of a recent controversy involving the Australian government and tech billionaire Elon Musk. The government has been at odds with Musk over footage of the stabbing of a Christian bishop in Sydney. The incident highlights the need for stronger regulations to prevent the spread of harmful content online.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasizes that ensuring the safety of Australians online is a top priority for the Albanese government. The laws in place may be considered world-leading, but they need to remain responsive to the rapidly evolving digital environment. To achieve this, a statutory review is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act.

Delia Rickard, the former deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, is conducting an independent review of the legislation. The review aims to examine the current regulatory schemes, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms while identifying any gaps that need addressing.

The consultation paper released by the government outlines several key areas of consideration. These include determining if additional arrangements are required to address online harms not covered by existing statutory schemes, such as pile-on attacks and AI-facilitated gender violence. The review will also focus on online abuse of public figures and individuals who require an online presence for their employment.

Furthermore, the paper highlights the need to address other potential online safety harms, including generative artificial intelligence and end-to-end encryption. It also intends to evaluate the powers of the e-Safety Commissioner, explore the applicability of penalties in a broader range of circumstances, and assess the possibility of imposing a duty of care requirement on online platforms towards their users.

One particularly pressing issue that the review aims to address is the online abuse faced by public figures. The consultation paper acknowledges that public figures, especially women, minority representatives, civil society advocates, and activists, are subjected to high rates of online abuse and harassment. The consequences can be severe, with cases of online abuse leading to suicide in some instances.

The Australian government recognizes the importance of community engagement and civil society’s involvement in reforming online safety laws. The public consultation provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to the strengthening of these laws and ensure they are well-suited for the ever-changing online environment.

In conclusion, Australia is taking proactive steps to combat online abuse targeting public figures by considering amendments to the Online Safety Act. The consultation process seeks feedback on potential measures to address new and emerging harms, including online hate, AI-generated content, and abuse of public figures. The government aims to create a positive digital environment that keeps Australians safe and encourages active participation in the benefits of online platforms.