Australia: Issued eSafety Commissioner notice requiring online platforms to disclose strategies to address online child sexual exploitation

On 30 August 2022, the eSafety Commissioner of Australia issued notices to Apple, Meta, WhatsApp, Microsoft, Skype, Snap and Omegle, requiring the companies to disclose their strategies addressing online child sexual exploitation and report the actions taken to limit the distribution of the illegal content. In their report, the companies have to demonstrate their compliance with the Basic Online Safety Expectations outlined in the Online Safety Act 2021. The Safety Expectations include the obligations of online platforms, including minimising illegal and harmful content and protecting children from exposure to inappropriate content. The listed companies have 28 days to report their strategies and actions to the eSafety Commissioner. In case of non-compliance, the companies face daily penalties of up to AUD 555’000.