The Federal Government is set to review the effectiveness of existing laws that regulate digital service providers, with a focus on enhancing online safety. The move is part of a broader initiative to ensure that Australia's online safety laws remain at the forefront of global efforts to combat online harm.

The Online Safety Act, which empowers the eSafety Commissioner to safeguard Australians online, is at the heart of this review. The Act includes the Basic Online Safety Expectations (BOSE) that hold the industry accountable and demand transparency. The Government plans to consult on amendments to the BOSE Determination to address new and emerging online harms.

The expanded BOSE Determination will focus on child safety, minimising harmful material through AI, addressing hate speech, and requiring service providers to publish regular transparency reports. The review aims to better protect Australians, especially vulnerable groups, from harmful content.

"The Albanese Government is committed to improving the safety of Australians online," said Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP. She added, "Australia's online safety laws are world-leading, but that doesn't mean they are a set-and-forget. We need to continually reassess the tools available to the Government and the eSafety Commissioner to respond to new and emerging harms."

The consultation complements the Government's work into Safe and Responsible AI, led by Minister Ed Husic (main image). Australia, along with 27 other countries, signed the Bletchley Declaration affirming that AI should be safe, human-centric, trustworthy, and responsible.

The Government will bring forward the legislated review of the Online Safety Act with public consultation to commence in early 2024. Ms Delia Rickard PSM, former Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has been appointed to lead the review.

"Our appointment of Ms Rickard to lead the broad-ranging and holistic review of the Online Safety Act will provide the Government with evidence on how we can best improve this important regulatory framework," said Minister Rowland.

Public consultation on amendments to the BOSE Determination is open until 16 February 2024, inviting all stakeholders to contribute to this crucial dialogue on online safety.