Online Safety Code May Block Harm Reduction Info: AIVL Submission to Senate Inquiry

The government is looking at new rules for search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo! These rules aim to protect kids online, but they might also block important health information for adults. 

What’s the problem? 
The new rules could stop people from finding harm reduction information about drugs, sexual health, and blood-borne viruses (BBVs). This information helps people stay safe, but these new rules mean search engines might label it as ‘harmful’ and hide it from everyone. 

Privacy matters
To see some websites, people might have to prove their age using ID or even face scans. That’s a big privacy risk, especially for our community who want to stay anonymous, because of stigma, discrimination and criminalisation.

Young people need support 
Some young people use drugs and don’t have access to services like needle and syringe programs. They often look for support and education online. Blocking this info could put them at risk. 

Stigma hurts 
If search engines block drug and sexual health information, it sends the message that our communities are dangerous. That’s wrong and contradicts Australia’s national health strategies. 

What AIVL wants
We want rules that protect kids and let adults access life-saving information. We want privacy, respect, and equity for all people who use drugs. 

Read Full Submission

Inquiry into Internet Search Engine Services Online Safety Code

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