The Australian government will enact world-leading laws protecting people from cyber abuse after the Online Safety Bill 2021 was passed in the senate last week.
The object of the bill is to provide a new framework for online safety for Australians, especially against trolls who use anonymous accounts to abuse, bully or humiliate others.
The new legislation will provide a mechanism for those experiencing the most seriously harmful online abuse to have it removed from the internet.
The federal e-safety commissioner will be given extra powers to combat online harm, such as ordering the removal of abusive and violent content and blocking websites and apps. Take-down notices will have a deadline for compliance of just 24 hours. The website-blocking power can also be used during “online crisis events”, such as the Christchurch massacre to prevent the dissemination of material that incites violence and hate.
Fines of up to $111,000 will apply to individuals who post or threaten to post abusive and violent material, or who fail to comply with a removal notice issued by the e-safety Commissioner. Companies like Facebook will face maximum fines of $500,000 for con-compliance, whilst the maximum penalty for using a carriage service to harass will be increased to 5 years imprisonment.
Existing state and federal criminal provisions relating to abuse and harassment will continue to apply with the e-safety Commissioner to work closely with law enforcement agencies and hand over any evidence for criminal prosecutions.
The bill is expected to become law in about six months.
Click here to view the Online safety Bill 2021.
