Australia’s Online Safety Chief Faces Abuse as Under-16 Social Media Ban Takes Effect
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, has become one of the most prominent — and most targeted — public officials in the global debate over online regulation, as the country enforces a landmark ban on social media use for children under 16. Before an interview with the BBC had even begun, discussion had already turned to the regular stream of death and rape threats received by her office — most of them aimed directly at Inman Grant herself. Colleagues describe the internet as a “cesspit”, a reality she says she has endured for several years. As head of Australia’s independent online safety regulator, Inman Grant sits at the centre of disputes over misinformation, online abuse, free speech and child protection. Her role has brought her into conflict with major technology companies, extremist groups and even lawmakers in the United States. […]
