National consultation on laws to combat doxxing now open

Today we are commencing public consultations on measures to address the practice of doxxing.

The Albanese Government takes the protection of Australians’ privacy and personal information very seriously.

The increasing use of online platforms to harm people through practices like doxxing, the malicious release of their personal information without their permission, is a deeply disturbing development.

Action to combat doxxing would complement other critical reforms being progressed by the Government to strengthen the Privacy Act, as well as laws against hate speech and to further protect online safety.

Australians should have trust and confidence that their personal information is kept safe and secure in the digital age.

The targeted and malicious release of personal information without permission is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

This consultation process will be complemented by a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders including individuals with lived experience and media organisations to advise on doxxing and privacy reforms, and how to appropriately balance competing rights.

The Government is separately progressing reform options to strengthen laws against hate speech.

Read more about the Public Consultation on Doxxing and Privacy Reforms, including details on how to make a submission. Submissions will close on 28 March 2024.