eSafety boss hints at exit, warns of power gap with tech giants
Federal eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she may leave when her term ends in early 2027.
Julie Inman Grant has led the eSafety Commission since 2017. On Wednesday she said 10 years in the job is a long time.
Fresh leadership may be helpful as new digital rules take shape. Inman Grant made the comments at a Brisbane press conference announcing fresh grants to fight online abuse.
Inman Grant said tech companies have far more power, wealth and reach than small regulators like hers in Australia. AI giants have shown they can't or won't regulate themselves.
The eSafety Commissioner said the government won't police AI chatbots through its new social media ban for under-16s. However, she said Australia's current rules could be strengthened further.
She will focus on doing as much as she can with the time left.
- 2017
- Commissioner since
- Early 2027
- Term ends
- $3.5 million across 12 projects
- Funding committed
- Tanya Plibersek and Anika Wells
- Ministers present
Why it mattersA change in eSafety leadership could shift how Australia handles tech rules and online harms. This would happen as social media rules tighten.
AustraliaAustralia's approach to regulating tech platforms and protecting young people online may change if Inman Grant steps down and a new commissioner is appointed.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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