eSafety Campaigns for More Comprehensive Technical Regulation Power

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has called for enhanced “technical regulation powers” to combat the misuse of certain online applications and platforms that fail to address the proliferation of fake accounts. During a senate hearing on proposed legislation to criminalize sexual deepfakes, Inman Grant outlined the necessity of powers that would allow the eSafety office to “de-platform” harmful online apps. She highlighted specific apps like “de-clothing” or “nudification” applications, which are used to create synthetic child sexual abuse material, and “tracking and monitoring apps” that facilitate coercive control over partners.

Inman Grant stressed that these enhanced powers would enable her office to more effectively address apps whose primary purpose is to cause harm. Currently, the eSafety office lacks the authority to take such decisive action. “If the primary purpose is to create … harm, and we were able to use some of our technical regulation powers, I would welcome that kind of power,” she stated.

The current industry codes, both established and in negotiation, are primarily focused on protecting children. However, Inman Grant identified a significant gap in regulatory coverage concerning the misuse of these apps against adults. “There is a definite gap there, and now is the time to be thinking about the kinds of powers that we might need to make us more effective at a systemic level,” she said.

In addition to de-platforming harmful apps, Inman Grant is advocating for powers to remove accounts, particularly those belonging to repeat offenders on major tech platforms. She highlighted the widespread issue of platforms failing to address the mass creation of fake and imposter accounts, which are frequently used for social engineering scams and sexual extortion. Despite the eSafety office sending intelligence reports to these platforms, detailing around 10,000 images used across fake accounts and the scripts used to engage potential victims, the platforms have not taken significant action. “They’re allowing these predators and criminal organizations to literally colonize their platforms and target people on the platforms,” Inman Grant said.

The pitch for additional powers by Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is part of a broader statutory review of the Online Safety Act, with the review's findings anticipated by the end of October. Inman Grant stressed that expanding the regulatory toolkit is essential to address emerging threats in the digital landscape, such as apps used for creating harmful content and fake accounts that facilitate scams and abuse.

Inman Grant outlined specific areas where enhanced powers could make a significant impact. These include targeting apps designed for "de-clothing" or "nudification," which are used to create synthetic child sexual abuse material, and "tracking and monitoring" apps that enable coercive control over individuals. The existing regulatory framework, she argued, does not adequately cover these types of harmful technologies, particularly when used against adults.

Additionally, Inman Grant highlighted the challenge of dealing with "repeat offenders" who use fake or imposter accounts for malicious purposes. She criticized major tech platforms for their inadequate response to the proliferation of these accounts, which are often used in social engineering scams, sexual extortion, and the distribution of deepfakes. She cited specific instances where platforms failed to act despite being provided with detailed intelligence reports.

The proposed changes reflect a broader push to enhance online safety and protect users from the increasing range of digital threats. Inman Grant emphasized that the decision to grant these additional regulatory tools will ultimately be made by the government and parliament. Her call for expanded powers underscores the need for a more robust and comprehensive approach to regulating online spaces and ensuring that platforms are held accountable for effectively addressing and mitigating online harms.

This push for expanded powers reflects a broader effort to enhance online safety and protect users from the increasing threats posed by harmful applications and fake accounts. By seeking greater regulatory authority, the eSafety Commissioner aims to address gaps in current oversight, targeting apps that facilitate serious harm and ensuring platforms take more responsibility for preventing abuse. The proposed measures underscore the need for more effective tools and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving online threats and safeguard individuals from exploitation and harm.