Office of the eSafety Commissioner

Regulator function

The eSafety Commissioner is an independent statutory office holder. The Commissioner's powers have been expanded under the new Online Safety Act, which came into effect on 23 January 2022. These include:

  • requiring the removal of adult cyber abuse material
  • requiring the removal of child cyberbullying material from the full range of online services, not just social media
  • stronger information gathering powers, including basic subscriber information for anonymous accounts
  • being able to rapidly address non-consensual sharing of intimate images
  • being able to take action against seriously harmful online content such as child abuse and pro-terror content
  • a regime for new industry codes and standards
  • a technology industry framework for basic online safety expectations for technology products and services

Legislation

Online Safety Act 2021

Regulated community

The online industry: including, but not limited to social media services, designated internet services and relevant electronic services. 

Portfolio

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Internal to department / external entity

External

Ministerial Statement of Expectations date

6 December 2022

Regulator Statement of Intent date

13 February 2023