The Alannah & Madeline Foundation welcomes the Victorian Government's announcement today that it will introduce new laws to hold social media and artificial intelligence companies accountable and better protect children from online harm.
The proposed reforms, including new VCAT powers to make 'demasking orders' for anonymous online vilification, are important steps towards making digital platforms answerable for the real-world harm their systems can cause.
Sarah Davies AM, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, welcomed the announcement:
"Children have a fundamental right to be safe online. For too long, technology companies have operated with too little accountability for the design choices, business models and systems that expose children to harm. These reforms send a clear message that children's safety and wellbeing cannot be treated as an afterthought."
"Families should not face unnecessary legal barriers when seeking accountability for harm caused to a child. These changes recognise that online harm is not abstract, it can affect a child's mental health, safety and future."
The Foundation also supports measures that help victims of online hate identify those responsible, while ensuring any new powers are implemented with appropriate safeguards, transparency and care for children and families.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation believes the online environment can and should be a safe, enriching and empowering space for children, but right now it has not been built with their best interests at heart.
The Foundation will continue to advocate for the right of all children and young people to be safe in all the places where they live, learn and play — including online.
About us:
About the Alannah & Madeline Foundation
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was founded 29 years ago by Walter Mikac AM, and a small group of volunteers in memory of Walter's young daughters Alannah and Madeline, aged just six and three, who tragically lost their lives along with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur in Tasmania on 28 April 1996. The Foundation was established with the belief that "all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma." Our mission continues today through our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs – we fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong. www.alannahandmadeline.org.au
