What the adult cyber abuse team does and doesn't do
What the adult cyber abuse team does
- We can request or direct the removal of seriously harmful online content.
- We assess whether the material meets the criteria for removal under the Online Safety Act.
- We respond to all complaints we receive as quickly as possible.
- We may make an informal request to the service or platform to remove material if it appears to breach their terms of service.
- We may give a formal direction to the service or platform to remove the content if it breaches the Online Safety Act.
- We provide advice and information about how to manage, report and respond to the abuse and protect yourself online.
- We may refer you to resources and counselling services to help you deal with the impacts of abuse.
What the adult cyber abuse team does NOT do
- We do not have to request or direct the removal of harmful online content for every complaint we receive. We need to be satisfied that the material meets the criteria for removal under the Online Safety Act.
- We cannot take any further action if the seriously harmful online content has been deleted or removed.
- We do not actively look for adult cyber abuse content online. We can only seek removal of material if the adult who has been targeted with the seriously harmful content makes a complaint to us or authorises another person to make a complaint to us on their behalf.
- We cannot provide you with the identity of the person behind an anonymous or fake account.
- We cannot charge a person with a criminal offence.
- We do not provide legal advice.
Responsibilities of the adult cyber abuse team
- Treating you with respect.
- Handling your complaint professionally, objectively and fairly.
- Keeping you informed of the progress of your complaint.
- Respecting your privacy.
Your responsibilities when you report adult cyber abuse
- Treating us with respect, even if you do not agree with the outcome.
- Reporting the material of concern to the service or platform before making a complaint to us.
- Providing us with evidence of where the abuse is available online, either through screenshots and/or URL links.
- Providing us with information and evidence relevant to your complaint.
Report adult cyber abuse to eSafety
If the content is seriously harmful and the service or platform does not help, you can report it to eSafety using our online form.
Last updated: 28/05/2024