Making a complaint

What can I complain about?

The ACMA can only investigate complaints about content that a complainant believes is likely to be prohibited. See the prohibited online content page for more information.

If you are concerned about a crime please contact your local police. If you are concerned about online paedophile activity you can make a report to the Australian Federal Police.

If a child is in immediate danger please call 000.

What can’t I complain about?

The ACMA is unable to take action regarding fraud or scams, intellectual property matters, privacy matters, cyberbullying, defamation and harassment. The ACMA advises people with concerns about other online matters to seek independent legal advice about the options they may have for dealing with the material concerned. If you have fears for your safety or property the ACMA advises that you contact your local police. Advice on avenues for action that may be available with regard to other online content types is available on the ACMA website.

How do I make a complaint?

Complaints about online content must be made in writing.

The ACMA preferred method of receiving complaints is via the online content complaint form. This form is not for the reporting of cyberbullying, defamation, privacy or spam issues. Please see our other online content page for more information and assistance regarding these issues.

Who can make a complaint?

Complaints are limited to Australian residents.

Any resident of Australia may make a complaint about online content to the ACMA, including an individual, a body corporate that carries on activities in Australia, or the Commonwealth, a state or a territory. For example, the ACMA receives referrals from Australian law enforcement agencies such as the Australian Federal Police.

If you are not an Australian resident, you may be able to report online content to the Hotline or law enforcement agency in your country of residence. The International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) provides a list of accredited hotlines around the world. However, the ACMA will accept complaints from outside Australia if the content is child abuse material and is hosted in, or made available from Australia.

What information do I need to provide?

You must provide the correct access details.

When making a complaint please ensure you provide a specific URL (for example, an address beginning with ‘http: //’ or ‘www’) and any other access details required (for example: passwords and/or usernames) to enable the ACMA to access the specific content which is the subject of your complaint.

Please note that the ACMA may only investigate and take action about content at specific locations (eg a URL not an entire website).

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes, you can make an anonymous complaint. However, in doing so you accept that you will not be notified of the outcome of a resultant investigation and that the investigation may be terminated should there be insufficient information provided to locate the content.

Will I be informed about the outcome of my complaint?

Yes, the ACMA will inform you of the outcome of your complaint. To ensure this is possible, please check the contact details provided are correct. Please note that from time to time the ACMA may contact complainants to request additional information and your contact details may also be used for this purpose.