Washington — The Computer & Communications Industry Association urged Australian lawmakers to protect strong encryption and ensure that proposed online safety regulations are clear, proportionate, and effective. In submissions to two parliamentary inquiries, CCIA warned that the proposed Digital Duty of Care Bill and efforts to circumvent encryption could create new cybersecurity and privacy risks while limiting access to information and undermining the tools digital services use to protect users.
CCIA submitted comments to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security’s inquiry into the nature and drivers of radicalisation in Australia and the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee’s consideration of the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026.
CCIA and its members share the Australian Government’s goals of protecting children online and countering radicalisation. However, the association cautioned that policies must address demonstrable risks without creating vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit or imposing unclear legal obligations on digital services.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Policy Counsel, Jesse Lieberfeld:
“Protecting Australians online requires policies that strengthen security, respect privacy, and provide clear rules for the services people rely on. Weakening encryption can expose sensitive communications to malicious actors, while vague online safety requirements can encourage companies to over-remove lawful content, collect more personal information, and restrict useful safety features. Policymakers should focus on practical, evidence-based measures that protect users without creating new risks.”
