Australian telecoms unite against tech-facilitated abuse

Telecommunications leaders in Australia are coming together to address the rising issue of technology abuse as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Key figures from major telecommunications companies, including CEOs from Telstra, TPG Telecom, Optus, Aussie Broadband, and Superloop, as well as executives from More, Tangerine, Uniti Group, Vocus Group, and the eSafety Commissioner, are assembling under the auspices of the Telco Together Foundation to tackle the misuse of technology for abusive purposes.

The CEO Roundtable will reflect on the industry's progress and reaffirm its commitment to tackling domestic and family violence (DFV) and its intersections with tech abuse in Australia. Over the past five years, these companies have worked collaboratively on these issues, initially convening at Telco Together Foundation's Domestic and Family Violence Roundtable.

A number of initiatives have been implemented by the sector, facilitated by the Telco Together Foundation. These include the signing of the Telecommunications Industry DFV Pledge by twelve CEOs, which commits to actionable and measurable strategies. It also entails the development of the DFV Action Framework, integrating best practices from government bodies, the industry, and frontline support into organisational policy, strategy, and training. Additionally, eleven companies have published DFV Action Plan Reports, outlining their efforts to support victims and survivors of DFV.

The upcoming Consumer Tech Abuse Campaign, set for launch on 3 December 2024, aims to educate Australians on recognising and responding to tech abuse. This highlights an industry-driven approach to address and prevent abuse facilitated by technology.

The misuse of digital technologies, which have become integral to daily life, poses emerging threats. This includes various abusive behaviours, such as sextortion and coercive controls executed via technology, which are notably on the rise. A significant 99.3% of Australian family, domestic, and sexual violence practitioners encountered clients impacted by technology-facilitated abuse, while 62.3% of surveyed adults between 18 and 54 reported experiencing technology-enabled sexual violence.

Kristy Kelly, CEO of Telco Together Foundation, stated, "Our focus is twofold: minimising the harmful use of technology and maximising its potential to empower and protect." Kelly emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to bring about substantial change, saying, "This Roundtable is about leveraging our collective power to drive meaningful, measurable change."

Renee Bowker, Executive Director and Co-founder of Telco Together Foundation, highlighted the industry's societal role, stating, "Together with our industry members, we've developed initiatives including the Telco DFV Industry Pledge and the DFV Action Framework. This framework provides telcos, regardless of size or type, with a pathway to better support DFV victims and survivors." Bowker expressed commitment to acknowledging the dual role of technology as both a support and a potential tool for abuse: "We don't take our role lightly. As an industry, we are aware that while industry products and services can provide a lifeline to support victims and survivors, they may also inadvertently enable the tools used to perpetrate control and abuse."

Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, underscored the need for collective societal leadership in eradicating tech-based gendered violence, remarking, "As we enter another 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, we're reminded it will take leadership from every corner of society to eradicate this insidious form of violence. We all have a role to play: government, business, the tech industry and communities."

The industry's ongoing efforts reflect its commitment to applying technology responsibly and collaboratively addressing the challenges posed by tech abuse, aiming to leverage its influence for positive societal change.