Australia and the United Kingdom have signed a first-of-its-kind Online Safety and Security Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at working together to drive safer and more positive experiences online.

The MoU covers a broad spectrum of digital online safety and security issues, including illegal content, child safety, age assurance, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technology.

The MoU aims to strengthen the regulatory regimes in both countries, including the UK's Online Safety Act 2023 and Australia's Online Safety Act 2021. It encapsulates the shared commitment of the UK and Australia to uphold and promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law, both online and offline.

The MoU pledges to deepen cooperation across several key pillars, including online safety and security. Both governments have committed to closer cooperation in the form of in-person dialogues, coordinated bilateral and multilateral engagement, regulatory engagement, shared research projects, and working with industry to address safety challenges posed by design choices.

The partnership will enable both countries to lead the international agenda and shape a global consensus on tackling online harms. The MoU will be taken forward by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA), in collaboration with other relevant departments and agencies on both sides.

"Both Australia and the United Kingdom are resolute in our commitment to keeping our citizens safe online. We are likeminded allies and key partners in the fight for safer and more positive online experiences," said Australian Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

"This historic Memorandum of Understanding will bring our two countries closer together, ensuring greater collaboration and engagement as we deal with online harms. Working together, we will protect the privacy, safety and security of our citizens, without stifling the innovation that is vital for economic, social and individual progress. Online safety is a shared, global responsibility. We must be proactive in ensuring that our legislative frameworks remain fit-for-purpose, and continue to evolve as new harms emerge."

United Kingdom Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP said the UK and Australia are at the forefront of online safety.

"I am proud of our internationally pioneering approaches which are already helping to create a safer and more secure digital world, protecting our citizens and holding platforms to account. The signing of the joint Memorandum today signifies a new chapter in our shared history. I look forward to building on this partnership which will help address the challenges and harness the opportunities of the digital age," she added.