The Albanese Government welcomes the final report of the independent statutory review of the Online Safety Act 2021 (the Act).
The comprehensive review considered the current provisions in the Act and whether additional protections are needed to combat online harms, including new harms from emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence.
Recent developments in international online safety regulation were also analysed to ensure Australia remains a world leader in online safety.
Announced in November 2023, the review was conducted by Ms Delia Rickard PSM, and involved a thorough examination of Australia's existing online safety laws.
The Government will consider the extensive recommendations made by Ms Rickard and respond in due course.
A public submissions process was conducted by Ms Rickard in April this year, which received more than 2,200 responses.
Over the course of the review, Ms Rickard also met with more than 100 stakeholders from community and civil society groups, industry, law enforcement bodies, as well as Australian and international government agencies.
The Government brought forward the commencement of the review by one year to 2024, to ensure the current framework is fit-for-purpose and the eSafety Commissioner has the necessary tools to keep Australians safe.
The Act empowers the online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, to keep Australians safe online.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Keeping Australians safe online is a key focus of the Albanese Government.
"That's why we brought forward the commencement of the review by a full twelve months. It was clear our laws needed to keep pace with emerging technologies and their associated harms.
"Australia is a world leader in online safety. The Albanese Government has been proactive in ensuring our legislative framework remains fit-for-purpose.
"I thank Ms Rickard for her important work which will be crucial in ensuring our online safety laws are effective and enable Australians to engage in the benefits of a positive digital environment.
"I look forward to carefully considering the findings of the Review and will have more to say on these recommendations shortly."
