Online Safety Commissioner Filipe Batiwale says granting the Online Safety Commission prosecutorial powers can help reduce the workload of police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in handling online safety offences.
Speaking on The Lens@177, Mr Batiwale said both the commission and members of the public were advocating for changes that would allow the commission to prosecute offences created under the Online Safety Act.
He said such powers could streamline the handling of online safety cases and ease pressure on existing law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
Mr Batiwale noted that online safety offences can be highly technical and often require specialised forensic evidence and analysis.
“The current legal framework also requires a high threshold of harm to be met, including demonstrating serious emotional distress, before charges can be considered,” he said.
According to Mr Batiwale, strong evidence is needed to support investigations and any potential prosecution under the Act.
When asked whether expanded powers would turn the commission into a one-stop shop for all online matters, Mr Batiwale said this would not be the case.
“Not a one-stop shop for anything online, rather very specific to the offences that are created with the Online Safety Act.
“But my one message is think before you click. That is the campaign that we are currently promoting.”
Mr Batiwale said the commission’s focus remained on promoting safer online behaviour and preventing harm before it occurred.
He urged members of the public to think carefully before sharing links, photos or posts online, noting that online actions can have real consequences when they negatively affect or target another person.
