The Federal Government is proposing strict new online safety measures.

In a bid to enhance online safety and protect children from harmful content, the government has unveiled plans to reinforce obligations for online companies, extending the rules to cover generative AI and algorithms. 

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has proposed amendments to expectations for online service providers in regard to age-appropriate content and safety features.

The proposed changes respond to concerns raised by child safety advocates who accused the government of insufficient action in safeguarding children online. 

Ms Rowland has stressed the importance of prioritising children's best interests throughout the design and deployment of online services.

Key points of the proposed rules include requiring service providers to incorporate safety features for generative AI, proactively minimise unlawful or harmful material, and implement age verification mechanisms. 

The changes also place a heightened emphasis on companies using algorithms, demanding impact assessments, safety reviews, and avenues for user complaints or inquiries related to algorithmic recommendations.

The government's move aligns with the Online Safety Act, empowering the eSafety Commissioner to regulate digital service providers and ensure user safety. 

The proposed amendments aim to address emerging harms, including preventing access to age-inappropriate content, minimising harmful material through generative AI, addressing hate speech, and enhancing transparency through regular reporting.

“Australia’s online safety laws are world-leading, but that doesn’t mean they are a set-and-forget,” Ms Rowland said this week. 

The government also announced a comprehensive review of the Online Safety Act, led by Ms. Delia Rickard, to assess the effectiveness of the regulatory framework.

Public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Basic Online Safety Expectations (BOSE) Determination is open until February 16, 2024. 

Submissions can be made here.