Government response to the report on the Social Media (Anti-Trolling) Bill 2022 [Provisions]

[Extract from response letter to President of the Senate]

Dear President

I am writing to convey the Government’s response to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee’s report on the Social Media (Anti-Trolling) Bill 2022 [Provisions], which predates the 47^th Parliament.

The Government notes each recommendation of the report. However, given the passage of time since the report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate. 

The Australian Government recognises the impact of harm that occurs online—including emotional, mental health and financial harms that can result where malicious online trolls post defamatory material to attack a person's reputation. The prevalence and spread of this content is a borderless challenge that demands coordinated action. The Australian Government is actively implementing responses to tackle this digital dimension and to create a safer digital environment for Australians of all ages. This includes:

• Imposing social media age restrictions - As of 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms need to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account. The social media age restrictions aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that users can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing.
• Ensuring criminal responses to conduct are fit for purpose – including passing amendments to outlaw the practice of 'doxxing', or the malicious release of personal data online, and strengthening offences targeting the creation and non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit material online. 

Please accept this letter as the Government’s response to the Committee’s report. A copy of this letter has also been provided to Senator Jana Stewart, Chair of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee.

Yours sincerely

[signature redacted]

Michelle Rowland MP