During the visit, Commissioner Johansson engaged in talks with Australian government officials, including eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus. Together with her counterparts, Commissioner Johansson discussed counter terrorism strategies, mis- and disinformation (FIMI), fighting cyber terrorism and child sexual abuse crime (CSA).

‘It's time that we stop treating tech companies like teenagers. They have grown up, and we need to treat them that way. They have to be responsible for what they do – and what they aren't doing’ said Commissioner Johansson during her meeting with eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

Commissioner Johansson travelled around Australia to visit key institutions and organisations protecting children rights in the country, such as the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children Australia, National Office of Child Safety, and Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, all aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of children across the country.

Commissioner Johansson's visit confirmed that Australia remains a likeminded partner of the European Union in combating organised crime, terrorism, and ensuring children’s safety – both online and offline. The EU believes that only collaborative efforts can tackle those global challenges and create a safer world.

Further reading:

• European Union, Australia lay down gauntlet to social-media companies - The Australian
• Top EU security official promotes big tech regulation - ABC Radio National
• The world’s biggest tech firms are enabling the most nauseating crimes imaginable - The Sydney Morning Herald
• The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee – European Commission
• Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation - European Commission
• Shaping Europe’s digital future – Online Safety and Privacy – European Commission
• Tackling Disinformation, Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference – EEAS
• The Digital Services Act – European Commission