In response to a serious privacy breach involving a WhatsApp group of Jewish Australians earlier this year, the Australian government is moving to criminalize doxxing, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledging to introduce new legislation.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, aims to outlaw doxxing, imposing penalties of up to seven years in prison for maliciously publishing personal information, especially when targeting individuals based on race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Under the new law, violators could face a maximum of six years in prison, escalating to seven years for cases involving targeted discrimination against minority groups.

Doxing is defined as the act of using a carriage service to publish or distribute personal information, such as names, photographs, and contact details, in a menacing or harassing manner.

However, the legislation has raised concerns as it does not include exemptions for journalism or other professions, prompting fears that it could be misused against investigative work.

Critics, including the White Rose Society, have warned that the proposed law could be misused against journalists and their sources, stifling freedom of expression.

In addition to doxxing, the government is also introducing a children's online privacy code to enhance protections for minors in the digital space.

Dreyfus emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding Australians' privacy and ensuring personal data is protected in the digital age.

This legislative effort is part of a broader reform of the Privacy Act, which was originally established in 1988, with further changes expected after the upcoming federal election.

Recent studies indicate that approximately one in twenty Australians has experienced doxxing, highlighting the urgency of these reforms.

Minister Bill Shorten expressed frustration with critics like Elon Musk, who have selectively approached the issue of free speech, particularly regarding financial penalties for misinformation.

The new laws will apply only to individuals currently in Australia, complicating accountability for online actions taken from abroad.