Protecting Australia’s media and communications sector is critical to Australia’s commitment to freedom of expression.
It is also critical to the value we place on a trusted and contestable media environment. It is essential to maintaining a healthy and robust society that values:
- democratic ideals and expression
- respect for journalistic freedoms
- diversity of information sources and content
- equality of access to safe and transparent online spaces.
The quality of information and the protections afforded to Australians are key foundations of our way of life.
Altered or fake information
Attempts at foreign interference can happen on digital platforms and through traditional news media.
Foreign powers may try to secretly sway public opinion to their point of view. They do this by altering images, videos, text and audio. This could happen around important issues, such as:
- elections
- protests
- major social, community and cultural events.
Foreign powers may also try to make information appear as if more people are sharing it or engaging with it. They do this by using fake accounts and altering digital systems to share false and harmful content.
Journalists may be targeted
To suit their own interests, foreign powers may also try to coerce our journalists and those with critical views of other governments.
They may try to deceive journalists to share false information or to secretly control and have power over media organisation decision-makers.
Protect yourself and our media environment
All Australians and media professionals can protect themselves from the risk of foreign interference.
You can do this in different ways.
Engage with information critically:
- Look for diverse sources for information.
- Think about the motives someone might have for sharing information.
- Understand what content moderation is on digital platforms and why some content may be harmful or against democratic values.
- Know the possible associations others might have with foreign powers.
Encourage media pluralism and an independent media market:
- Promote competition, transparency and diversity of media ownership.
- Promote editorial independence to prevent undue influence from political interests, owners, and publishers.
Provide protection to journalists and media workers against physical, psychological and digital threats.
Understand the potential warning signs of foreign interference.
Understand how to make informed decisions to mitigate risks.
Report instances of suspected foreign interference to the National Security Hotline. See Reporting foreign interference.
