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Australia

Medium Risk
Last updated: 8 Jan 2025

Executive Summary

Australia has implemented several internet regulation measures, including the eSafety Commissioner's powers and the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (TOLA) Act 2018. While not as restrictive as authoritarian regimes, these laws have raised concerns about digital rights and privacy.

Key Legislation

eSafety Commissioner Powers

The eSafety Commissioner has broad powers to order removal of harmful content and can issue fines to platforms that fail to comply with takedown notices.

Status: Active Impact: Medium

TOLA Act 2018

Allows law enforcement to request technical assistance from tech companies and access encrypted communications with appropriate warrants.

Status: Enforced Impact: High

Censorship Practices

Content Blocking

  • • eSafety-ordered content removal
  • • ISP-level blocking of illegal content
  • • Platform compliance requirements

Surveillance

  • • Metadata retention requirements
  • • TOLA Act technical assistance
  • • Law enforcement access powers

Circumvention Tools

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