This report is Asia Pacific Policy Observatory’s first policy review. The April 2023 edition focuses on rights, privacy, and freedom in cyberspace in the digital age. As we continue to navigate the rapidly changing digital age, this report seeks to contribute to the ongoing dialogues and efforts to create a safe and more secure online environment for everyone.
This report sheds light on the varied approaches taken by Australia, Nepal, and Myanmar to address online safety concerns. This report aims to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Comprising three essays contributed by Jenna Manhau Fung, Paribhasha Pradhan, and Jeremy Z.M., each examines the policies, measures, and concerns that these countries have encountered. The report also provides recommendations and highlights the need for continued attention and action from governments, businesses, and individuals to address online safety concerns worldwide.
Key Takeaways
The Australian Online Safety Act
- The Australian Online Safety Act 2021 has been enacted with a self-regulatory approach by the industry for two years, but eSafety reported an alarming 65% increase in cyberbullying and a 55% rise in image-based abuse in Australia in 2021 alone.
- Whether it is an industry-driven or government-directed approach, the regulations in Australia and Singapore are making the industry to bare more responsibility in protecting users of their services.
- As teenagers transition into young adults, they face a “dual vulnerability” as being the victims or the contributors of cyber abuse.
- It is necessary for governments to regulate online content, but points out the growing need of adopting a multi-stakeholder model to safeguard online safety.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying in Nepal
- Preventive measures at the education, legal, and technological levels are key to addressing online harassment.
- With the widespread use of technology and social media, incidents of online harassment and cyberbullying have become prevalent in Nepal, posing a significant threat to individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being.
- There is a need for urgent action to create a safe online environment in Nepal, including awareness campaigns, education in schools and universities, and legislation criminalising these behaviours.
Cyber Security Law in Myanmar
- The draft Cyber Security Law in Myanmar is impacting online freedom and access to information.
- International organisations and businesses have expressed deep concerns about the draft law, which could lead to limitations on Internet freedom and criminalisation of the use of restricted applications.
- It is recommended to gain continued attention and action from intergovernmental organisations and individual countries to address these concerns for regional peace and security in Myanmar.
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