Australia’s federal government has said it will invest $3.5 million in 12 new projects to address technology-facilitated abuse targeting women and children.
The projects, the government says, are a key part of its National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, and will be funded through Round 3 of the $10 million Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program.
Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, said the use of online tools and technology to harass and control women was a “growing and alarming harm”.
“Women and girls should be able to use social media, do their banking and use a running app without fear of doxxing, deepfakes or serious harm,” Wells said in a statement.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe online – that’s why the Albanese Government is introducing a Digital Duty of Care, banning nudify apps and building digital literacy for all Australians, including through projects like these.”
Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, added that the government “cannot ignore the role that big tech is playing in normalising misogyny and exposing young people to harmful content at increasingly young ages”.
“As technology evolves, so do the methods used by perpetrators – we’re seeing new frontiers of abuse emerge every day.
“That's why as part of our record $4.4 billion to tackle violence against women and children, we’re investing in important projects like this and undertaking world-leading reforms that will create a safer digital world.”
The current round of funding also four projects aimed at creating positive online experiences for young men and boys in order to challenge dangerous narratives around masculinity and how they should treat women.
“This round of grantees reflects both the breadth and depth of the challenge we’re seeking to address, from AI-facilitated coercive control and deepfake abuse to digital financial dependence, harmful online masculinities, and tech-based abuse affecting First Nations peoples, women with disability, culturally diverse communities and people living in regional areas,” the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said.
“These successful organisations bring deep expertise, trusted community relationships and innovative prevention approaches to some of the most complex and emerging forms of technology-facilitated abuse.
“What is clear is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Lasting change requires innovation grounded in lived experience and community-level engagement that can drive practical, culturally relevant and scalable interventions where they are needed most.”
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