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AAP
AAP
Tess Ikonomou

Consultation opens to combat 'malicious' practice

Efforts are underway to stamp out the act of revealing people's personal information online. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

People are being urged to have their say on measures to crackdown on the "malicious" practice of doxxing. 

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced the government has opened public consultation on laws to stamp out the invasive act of publicly revealing personal information about an individual online. 

"Australians should have trust and confidence that their personal information is kept safe and secure in the digital age," he said.

"The targeted and malicious release of personal information without permission is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated."

Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus
Mark Dreyfus says the increasing prevalence of doxxing is a "deeply disturbing development". (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Anthony Albanese committed to addressing the issue as the details of hundreds of Jewish people were published online, including their photos and social media details.

The prime minister said it was unacceptable people in Australia could be targeted due to their faith.

Mr Dreyfus said the increasing use of online platforms being used to harm people through doxxing was a "deeply disturbing development".

The government says action to manage the issue will complement reforms underway to strengthen the Privacy Act, in addition to laws against hate speech.

Roundtable discussions will take place with individuals who have experienced doxxing and media outlets, to advise on how to balance privacy reforms against other rights.

Submissions will close at the end of March.

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