iscover
Share this article on:
Powered by
MOMENTUM
MEDIA
The Australian and UK governments have announced a new collaborative dedication to online safety and security, with the nations co-signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The new signing represents the start of a new era of digital collaboration between the two states as both Australia and the UK work together to thwart threats to online security and safety.
“Both Australia and the United Kingdom are resolute in our commitment to keeping our citizens safe online. We are like-minded allies and key partners in the fight for safer and more positive online experiences,” wrote Australian Minister for Communications, the Honourable Michelle Rowland.
“This historic memorandum of understanding will bring our two countries closer together, ensuring greater collaboration and engagement as we deal with online harms.”
The MOU will see the two governments address a number of issues threatening online safety and security, such as the threats presented by new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), illegal content, child safety, technology-facilitated gender-based violence and age assurance. These will be addressed in an annual online safety and security policy dialogue in which the two bodies will review strategic processes.
The new signing will also support the two governments’ regulations regarding online safety – Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021 and the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023, both of which aim to make the two countries the most digitally safe in the world.
“Working together, we will protect the privacy, safety and security of our citizens, without stifling the innovation that is vital for economic, social and individual progress.
“Online safety is a shared, global responsibility. We must be proactive in ensuring that our legislative frameworks remain fit for purpose and continue to evolve as new harms emerge”.
The MOU outlines several key strategic objectives.
“Under this MOU, both participants will take a comprehensive approach to online safety and security, recognising the economic, social and individual benefits that stem from a safe and secure online environment,” wrote a release by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
“This MOU will also contribute to mitigating the risks of harm in a rapidly developing technological landscape – ensuring the protection of the public by reducing longstanding and novel causes of harm, in particular the harms experienced by children, women and other persons or groups in vulnerable situations, while maintaining capabilities in a way that protects privacy, and does not limit freedom of expression or stifle innovation.”
The statement added that a number of joint actions will be carried out to achieve the MOU’s goals, including the regulation and enforcement of information sharing, keeping the tech industry accountable, promoting online safety and security principles, countering misinformation and foreign interference and promoting the growth of safety technology.
“The UK and Australia are at the forefront of online safety, and I am proud of our internationally pioneering approaches, which are already helping to create a safer and more secure digital world, protecting our citizens and holding platforms to account,” wrote UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Right Honourable Michelle Donelan MP.
“The signing of the joint memorandum today signifies a new chapter in our shared history. I look forward to building on this partnership, which will help address the challenges and harness the opportunities of the digital age.”
Be the first to hear the latest developments in the cyber industry.
