Comply with doxxing criminal offence (Criminal Code s 474.17C)
From 13 December 2024, using a carriage service to dox personal data with menace is criminal.
Who must comply
All users of carriage services in Australia.
What triggers it
Publishing personal data via internet/phone/messaging to menace or harass.
When due
Continuous from 13 December 2024.
Evidence required
n/a — criminal offence; AFP prosecutes.
Max penalty
Up to 6 years imprisonment for basic offence; up to 7 years for aggravated (prejudice-based).
Summary
Sections 474.17C-474.17D of the Criminal Code (added by the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024) create criminal offences for using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence by publishing personal data about an individual or group. Aggravated form (motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, sex, etc.) carries higher penalty.
Source legislation
Topics
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2024A00112/latest. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.