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In brief
- ASIO and federal police will have new powers to scour gaming platforms and social media for extremist content.
- It follows increasing concern around young people being radicalised in online spaces.
The Australian government is intensifying its efforts to combat terrorism by scrutinizing gaming platforms and social media for extremist content.
In an upcoming federal budget announcement, funds will be allocated to establish a national center dedicated to online counter-terrorism initiatives. This center will be a collaborative effort between the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and federal police.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed that the initiative, valued at $74 million, will empower specialist investigators and analysts to keep a vigilant watch over online environments deemed high-risk.
Burke stated, “While we have existing centers focused on protecting children and tackling cybercrime, creating a facility for combating online violent extremism and terrorism is a necessary progression in our rapidly evolving threat landscape.”
He further emphasized that their long-standing ability to track extremists in physical gatherings has now evolved to include virtual spaces like chat rooms.
Youth radicalisation a growing concern
Spy agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about young people being radicalised online — often targeted in seemingly innocuous spaces like gaming platforms and chat groups.
Since laws cracking down on the distribution of extremist material online took effect in 2024, 27 people have been charged with offences.
Of those, 15 were aged 17 years or under.
The funding is part of an $80 million package to be spent over two years, bolstering Australia’s counter-terrorism threats and striving to prevent violent extremism and youth radicalisation.
The cash splash follows Australia’s worst terrorist attack — the massacre of Jews celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on 14 December, 2025.
The interim report of the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion — announced in the wake of the mass shooting — recommended a review of Australia’s counter-terrorism network, including its leadership structures, team integration, systems access and information-sharing arrangements.
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