Australia's online safety chief says she faced death threats after children's social media ban

Australia’s top online safety regulator has revealed that she received death threats and widespread abuse following the rollout of a controversial social media ban, SBS News reported on Wednesday.

Julie Inman Grant, who heads the country’s eSafety Commission, said the backlash intensified after new rules delaying children’s access to social media until age 16 were announced.

Within 24 hours of public criticism from Elon Musk — who labelled her a “censorship commissar” — around 75,000 posts were directed at her online, with the majority described as toxic, harmful and plausible death threats.

Speaking at a gender equality forum alongside former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Inman Grant said she had been doxed, targeted with deepfakes, and subjected to gendered abuse.

“My issue is when they dox my children and my family members … it makes you sit back and go, am I putting my family and my kids in danger, and how do I protect them?” she said.

She expressed concern about threats extending to her family, questioning how to ensure their safety.