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Online Harms - reporting to Australian Government agencies

​​​​Where to go for advice or to report an issue

Misinformation / Disinformation

Mis/disinformation that could harm Australia’s national interests at home or abroad, including the sovereignty and prosperity of Australia and our international partners.

Enquiries about the Australian Communication and Media Authority’s role overseeing the voluntary industry code of practice for disinformation and misinformation.

DFAT Counter Disinformation Unit - Email cmi@dfat.gov.au or call 02 6261 1111

Email misinformation@acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 115

​TopicDescription​Contacts
Foreign Interference

Information on issues that may relate to foreign interference should be reported to the National Security Hotline.

If members of the public feel threatened or unsafe in any way, call 000 for immediate threats or the local police on 13 14 44.

National Security Hotline 1800 123 400

Email: hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au

Terrorism

Concerns about possible signs of terrorism, including terrorist or violent extremist content online, should be reported to the National Security Hotline.

If members of the public feel threatened or unsafe in any way, they should contact the police – using 000 for immediate threats or the local police on 13 14 44.

National Security Hotline 1800 123 400

Email: hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au

Cybercrime or cyber security incidentTo report cybercrime or a cyber security incident such as identity theft, online fraud, cyber-enabled abuse, ransomware and malware.

Report online at ReportCyber

Australian Cyber Security Hotline1300 Cyber1 (1300 292 371)

Online safety

Report online harms to the eSafety Commissioner, who can investigate and help get harmful content taken down quickly, including:

  • cyberbullying of children
  • serious adult cyber abuse
  • image-based abuse (sharing, or threats to share intimate images without the consent of the person shown)
  • illegal and harmful content (such as child sexual abuse material or terrorist and violent criminal material).

eSafety provides advice and support to people dealing with online harms, as well as online safety tips and resources to help all Australians have more positive experiences online.

Report to the eSafety Commissioner

Child Exploitation and Abuse
Online Grooming

Online sexual exploitation most commonly includes grooming, live streaming, consuming child sexual abuse material, and coercing and blackmailing children for sexual purposes.

If a child is in immediate danger or at risk, call 000 or contact the local police.

Report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

Electoral Integrity / Electoral Fraud

For guidance on a broad range of issues, contact the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce.

Report allegations of electoral fraud, specifically a breach of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 or related legislation.

Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce


Contact the Australian Electoral Commission

Or call 13 23 26

Fraud

Reporting fraud against the Commonwealth Government, e.g. if you are the victim of fraud, witness fraud or suspect fraud.

Report to the relevant Australian Government Entity

Privacy

Report a data breach (unauthorised access to, or disclosure or loss of personal information held by an organisation or agency that is likely to result in serious harm).

To make a complaint about an organisation or agency who has mishandled your personal information.

Report an eligible data breach or make a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner


For general enquiries, please use the online Enquiry form or other contact options

COVID-19

To report consumer complaints relating to COVID-19.

To make a privacy complaint relating to COVID-19.

​To find news, information and updates about COVID-19.

For COVID-19 vaccine queries.

Report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Report to the OAIC through a privacy complaint


Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website

Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website, or call the national coronavirus helpline on 1800 020 080

Online Scams

To report online scams, including any COVID-19 scams or phishing activities.

Report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Scamwatch

Online Gambling

To report illegal online gambling services.

Report via the Australian Communications and Media Authority website

Education and Prevention of Online Child Sexual Exploitation

The ThinkUKnow program gives parents, carers, teachers and students information on how to stay safe online.

If a child is in immediate danger or at risk, call 000 or contact the local police.

Visit the ThinkUKnow website
SpamTo complain about or report unsolicited spam (SMS, email, instant messages).

Complain or report via the Australian Communications and Media Authority website

Customs, border protection, visa or migration offencesReport activity that might be a customs, border protection, visa or migration offence. You can choose to remain anonymous.Report online to the Department of Home Affairs Borderwatch
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