All slacktivism and no action on Andrew Tate

Despite a viral reaction to Andrew Tate's opinions, the e-Safety commission is yet to receive a single complaint.

Despite a viral reaction to Andrew Tate's opinions, the e-Safety commission is yet to receive a single complaint.

The e-Safety commission has not received a single official complaint about social media sensation Andrew Tate, who says rape victims should "bear some responsibility" for the crime committed against them.

The government agency has powers to remove content that promotes violence if Aussies dob in online materials that meet the threshold for illegal and restricted content under the Online Safety Act. 

The Oz is not suggesting Tate has broken the law.

e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told The Oz that women were disproportionately targeted by online abuse as she called on the tech giants to "radically shift" their product design, declaring it should be easier for users to report online abuse. 

“To create lasting change, we need a radical shift in platform and product design. Technology companies and online platforms must design and build demonstrably safer products and services, rather than addressing safety as an afterthought," she said.

"We strongly recommend applying our Safety By Design tools across the product lifecycle from start to finish, including making it much simpler for customers to report online abuse."

The eSafety Commissioner wants to see a cultural shift across the technology sector whereby user safety and rights are at the centre of the design of online platforms, as well as in their organisation's leadership – and not tackled as an afterthought or when things go wrong.

Asked about the explosion of misogynistic content via creators such as Tate, Inman Grant said the commission's own research showed women and girls were subjected to very high levels of online abuse simply because they were women.

"Attempts to demean, control and silence women and girls in online spaces is our collective loss: if we want to solve the complex problems of our era, we need a range of voices and safe online spaces where people can share ideas without fear of harassment, bullying or intimidation."

“Ending online abuse starts with each and every one of us. Role model the behaviour you yourself expect. If you see content that demeans and belittles another, report it to the platform directly for terms of service violations. If you feel safe, counter the hate and abuse with a message of respect and support for the person being targeted.

While the eSafety Commissioner can investigate reports from Australians about seriously harmful online content, a spokeswoman for the commission confirmed no complaints about Tate, which are necessary to pursue action, had been received.

Tate has skyrocketed to internet infamy for his controversial perspectives on men and women, racking up millions of followers on Instagram and banking billions of views on TikTok. 

The former Big Brother UK contestant and kickboxer turned social media content creator who promotes a playboy lifestyle and says teenagers make great girlfriends as they are easier to "imprint upon" has ratcheted up billions of views.

Google trends show his name was googled more times than that of Kim Kardashian or Donald Trump at the end of July.

He does not have an official TikTok account of his own, but videos of him speaking are shared widely. 

Andrew Tate does have an active Instagram account.

Asked if they agreed with the e-safety commissioner that social media giants needed to do more to address online safety and improve reporting processes for users, a spokesperson for TikTok said: "The safety and wellbeing of the TikTok community is our top priority, which is why we engage collaboratively with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and other government agencies to ensure our platform is a safe and positive environment."

 

Meta has also been contacted for comment. 

To report seriously harmful online content, please visit: esafety.gov.au/report.

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT.