A recent study by the eSafety Commissioner uncovered a concerning rise in online hate targeting Australian adults across diverse backgrounds, leading to significant harm. The report, Fighting the Tide: Encounters with Online Hate Among Targeted Groups, highlighted that individuals are experiencing abuse based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant expressed alarm over these findings, stating that no Australian should endure such abuse due to their identity. She emphasised the importance of taking action against online hate, advising those affected to block perpetrators and report incidents.
“No Australian living in our community today should have to endure hateful abuse because of who they are,” Inman Grant said. “If you witness or experience these kinds of attacks online, block the user and report it to the platform.”
The research indicated that adults identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, sexually diverse, with disabilities, and/or linguistically diverse are more likely to encounter online hate. Specifically, 41% of these individuals have witnessed such hate, and 24% have personally experienced it. Additionally, the prevalence of online hate experiences in the broader community has risen from 14% in 2019 to 18% in 2022.
Despite the significant harm reported by victims, less than half have taken action in response to online hate incidents. Most perpetrators are strangers, with social media platforms being the primary venues for these abuses. Commissioner Inman Grant urges Australians to visit eSafety’s website to report harmful content, especially if platforms fail to act, and to access available resources and advice. She also calls on technology companies to enforce their terms of service more rigorously and to enhance the availability, responsiveness, and transparency of their reporting tools.
In a related development, the Australian government has enacted the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2025, introducing mandatory minimum sentences for hate crimes. This legislation aims to strengthen protections against hate speech and related offences.
However, the rapid passage of these laws has sparked criticism from crossbench MPs and legal experts, who argue that the process was rushed and could lead to potential injustices, particularly affecting marginalised groups. Concerns have been raised about the removal of intent requirements and the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences, which some believe may disproportionately impact certain communities.
As online platforms continue to serve as arenas for both connection and conflict, the collective responsibility of individuals, technology companies, and the government becomes paramount in fostering a safer and more inclusive digital environment.