Australia: eSafety Commissioner issued notice to WhatsApp requiring report of measures addressing terror and violent extremism content

On 19 March 2024, the Australian eSafety Commissioner issued a legal notice to WhatsApp requiring a report on measures implemented to protect Australians from terrorist and violent extremist material and activity. The notice requires WhatsApp to disclose its efforts to counter extremist content, including the misuse of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The action falls under the Commissioner's enforcement of the Online Safety Act to ensure the safety of user-generated content on online platforms. Under the Act, service providers are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that end‑users are able to use the service in a safe manner and to minimise the extent to which certain material is provided on the service, including cyber‑bullying material, cyber‑abuse material, non‑consensual intimate images of a person, and material related to violent conduct.