Lead

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has heard evidence of the scale of online hate directed at Jewish Australians, from billionaires to activists, and the limitations of current regulatory powers to address it. The inquiry, which is examining efforts to curb online hate, received testimony from individuals who described the constant abuse they face, as well as from the eSafety Commissioner, who apologised for the regulator's shortcomings.

Coverage comparison

ABC News reported on the testimony of several witnesses, including billionaire philanthropist Steven Lowy, who described the work of a dedicated security team that intercepts antisemitic abuse directed at his family. The team traced more than 15,000 items of hostile online content in the 12 months to February, which could be traced to 200 individuals. "It disturbs me, the volume and prevalence of it, and the serious nature of it," Mr Lowy told the inquiry.

Jewish Council Australia head Sarah Schwartz also gave evidence, saying she received online hate from pro-Israel and far-right actors because of her advocacy for Palestinian human rights and her criticism of the Israeli government's military actions in Gaza.

The inquiry also heard from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who became emotional while apologising to Jewish victims of social media harassment. She said her office had received 108,000 complaints about harmful online content in the year to June 30, 2026, a significant increase from the 55,000 complaints received the previous financial year. However, under the regulator's Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme, only 2 per cent of complaints resulted in a removal notice, due to the high legal threshold requiring a direct threat of harm.

Key claims

  • The Lowy family security team intercepted over 15,000 items of hostile online content, traceable to 200 individuals, in the 12 months to February.
  • Sarah Schwartz received online hate from pro-Israel and far-right actors due to her advocacy for Palestinian human rights.
  • The eSafety Commissioner's office received 108,000 complaints about harmful online content in the year to June 30, 2026, up from 55,000 the previous year.
  • Only 2 per cent of complaints resulted in removal notices under the Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme.
  • X Corp refused to engage with the royal commission, and fringe extremist group Gab was "openly hostile" in its communication with the inquiry.
  • The eSafety Commissioner has limited powers to regulate offshore social media platforms.

Perspectives

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant: Apologised to the Jewish community for the regulator's shortcomings, saying, "We're here to help people and I just want to acknowledge I know that … so many in the Jewish community have been suffering and I'm really sorry about the shortcomings of the scheme when we haven't been able to help." She noted the high threshold for intervention meant many complaints could not be acted upon.

Witnesses to the inquiry: Steven Lowy and Sarah Schwartz described the personal impact of online hate, with Mr Lowy expressing disturbance at the volume and seriousness of the content, and Ms Schwartz detailing abuse linked to her advocacy.

Counsel assisting the inquiry: Richard Lancaster SC highlighted the difficulties of compelling cooperation from offshore platforms, noting that even the royal commission's powers could not compel X Corp to appear, and that Gab was "openly hostile." He suggested the inquiry would consider whether the eSafety Commissioner or another regulator should be given greater powers to regulate offshore platforms.