I didn't really think about internet laws until I started travelling more seriously.
Like most of us, I rely on the internet for everything while travelling: maps, banking, bookings, work, and keeping in touch with home. It feels automatic… until you cross a border and realise the rules quietly change.
Australia is one of those places where things can be a little different online compared to what you're used to back home — whether you're visiting short-term, planning a longer stay, or even moving to Australia. Some online behaviours that feel totally normal elsewhere can land you in trouble here if you're not aware of the local laws.
I usually rely on an eSIM for Australia rather than local SIM cards, especially when you're moving between places like Rottnest Island, Kangaroo Island, or navigating city stops in between. But even with easy access to data, it's worth knowing that how you use the internet matters here, because Australia takes certain online activities more seriously than many travellers expect.
In this guide, I'll walk you through a few important Australian online laws every traveller should know before arriving. These aren't scare-tactics — just practical tips to help you stay connected, avoid surprises, and enjoy your time in Australia without unnecessary stress. Let's get into it.
4 Online Rules You Can't Miss In Australia
Little Sahara on Kangaroo Island
1. Personal Security
Digital threats are on the rise everywhere, and Australia is no exception.
As travellers, digital nomads, or anyone exploring the world on a remote visa, staying safe online isn't just about protecting your devices, it's about protecting your freedom, finances, and peace of mind while you travel.
In Australia, online platforms carry a legal duty of care to their users. They must provide clear, customisable privacy settings, give you control over your data, and handle personal information according to the Australia's Online Safety Act. This means you can confidently manage your accounts without worrying that your sensitive info will be misused.
Clear privacy policies make it easier to understand how your data is used, which is especially important if you're managing finances online or booking flights, accommodations, and activities while travelling.
That said, no law can replace common sense. A lot of digital safety ultimately comes down to you.
Whether you're uploading travel photos from a bustling café in Sydney, managing your financial accounts on the move, or preparing for a new destination on your worldwide digital nomad visa, taking proactive steps is key. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.
Packing your digital toolkit is just as important as packing your suitcase – think VPNs, secure cloud storage, and encrypted communication apps. Doing so ensures that your online security travels with you, giving you the freedom to work, explore, and live life on your terms without unnecessary digital risk.
2. Harmful Content Ban
Australia takes online safety very seriously, and this is something travellers don't always realise until they're already connected to local networks. While it might seem obvious that harmful or abusive content shouldn't be shared online, Australia has specific laws that actively regulate how this content is handled — and they apply to anyone using the internet within the country, including visitors.
These rules are largely enforced through Australia's Online Safety Act, which gives the national eSafety Commissioner the authority to act quickly against harmful material. What's important for travellers to know is that this doesn't just apply to Australian companies. International platforms that are accessible from Australia — including social media, search engines, and content-sharing sites — are also expected to comply.
From a practical travel perspective, this is actually a good thing. If you come across disturbing, abusive, or unsafe content while you're online in Australia, most platforms are required to provide clear reporting tools and support options. You may notice content being taken down faster than you're used to, or stricter moderation compared to other countries.
This is especially relevant if you work online or run pop-ups while travelling the world. Whether you're managing social media, uploading content, or engaging with online communities from cafés, coworking spaces, or accommodation Wi-Fi, it's worth being mindful of local digital standards and platform rules.
Overall, Australia's approach is designed to create a safer online environment — and for travellers, understanding these rules helps you stay on the right side of local regulations while protecting yourself and others online.
Tips To Increase Your Personal Security
1. Never Disclose Personal Information
This one might seem obvious, but you'd probably be surprised to find out just how many people forget this vital tip for maintaining digital security. No matter what you're doing online, you should never disclose your personal information, such as your name and address, without a good reason for doing so.
2. Ensure Websites are Legitimate
One of the primary ways that scammers operate is through the creation of false websites, which they use to trick internet users into giving away sensitive information such as their banking details. Whenever you're online, there are several things you should look out for to make sure that the platforms you are using are safe and legitimate.
First, you should make sure that the platform URL starts with the code ‘https://' or a padlock symbol, as this is evidence that the site is encrypted and the creators have worked to ensure your information is secure.
Additionally, you should examine any web pages for spelling and grammar mistakes or overtly informal language, as these are 2 strong indicators that a site is untrustworthy.
If you are unsure about the security of an online platform you are using, you can always use Google's free URL checker to see if anyone else has reported concerns about the website, or whether other people consider it to be safe and legit.
Overall, it's important to remember that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you have any uncertainty or anxiety about a website you are using, it's always a good idea to trust your gut and step away, or at least conduct some research before you supply the site with any information.
3. Make Use of a VPN
We have examined how VPNs can be used to bypass geographical restrictions and give you access to websites usually only available in your home country while you are visiting Australia, but did you know this software is one of the most effective tools against digital threats out there?
By obscuring your IP address, VPNs make it exceedingly difficult for hackers, scammers or other malicious actors to track your internet activity and gain access to your personal information. This is a real asset to every internet user, but is especially important if you are planning to make use of public wifi while visiting Australia, as these are often hotspots for cybercrime.
Although some VPNs offer paid subscriptions for more autonomy and options when it comes to choosing where you'd like to change the appearance of your location to, there are a variety of free plans, such as the one delivered by Proton VPN, that still go above and beyond when it comes to ensuring cybersecurity.
3. Online Gambling Laws
One thing that catches many travellers off guard in Australia is how strict some online access rules are — especially around gambling-related websites.
While browsing or streaming usually works exactly as you'd expect, many international gambling platforms are blocked locally, even if they're legal and widely used back home.
From a traveller's perspective, the key takeaway isn't about gambling itself, but about understanding regional internet restrictions. If a site is accessible while you're in Australia but isn't officially permitted there, it may be operating in a grey area. That's where people can run into problems like unreliable platforms, security risks, or zero consumer protection if something goes wrong.
If you're used to accessing certain services from home — whether that's betting platforms, financial tools, or other region-restricted websites — this is where a VPN can be useful.
A VPN simply changes how your location appears online, making it look like you're browsing from your home country rather than from Australia. Many travellers already use one for practical reasons, like accessing banking apps, work platforms, or streaming services that are normally restricted by location.
For visitors who usually use regulated online gaming platforms back home, a VPN can also make it easier to continue accessing those familiar services while travelling, instead of ending up on unfamiliar or unreliable sites. Some of the best options online are fully licensed, well-established, and place a strong focus on user security — which matters even more when you're connected to public Wi-Fi or moving between destinations.
The goal isn't to change how you use the internet while travelling, but to keep your online experience consistent, secure, and as close to home as possible while you're on the road.
Personally, I think the bigger lesson here is awareness. Australia has strong digital regulations, and they don't always align with what travellers are used to. Knowing this ahead of time helps you avoid sketchy sites, protect your data, and use the internet more safely while you're on the road.
4. Industry Codes of Practice
Another thing travellers often don't realise is that Australia doesn't just rely on general laws to regulate the internet — it also requires online platforms to follow industry-specific codes of practice. These are rules created by the tech and media industries themselves, but they're closely monitored and enforced by Australia's eSafety Commissioner.
In simple terms, this means that platforms you use every day — social media apps, video sites, search engines, messaging platforms, and online forums — are expected to meet certain safety standards when they're accessible from Australia. If a platform doesn't meet those standards, it can be challenged, revised, or rejected by the eSafety Commissioner.
For travellers, this usually shows up in subtle ways. You might notice clearer reporting buttons, stronger moderation, content warnings, or quicker responses when harmful material is flagged. These systems are designed to protect users from things like online harassment, cyberbullying, misleading content, and other harmful material — regardless of whether you're a resident or just visiting.
This is especially useful if you're travelling long-term, working remotely, posting content, or staying connected. Knowing that platforms are held to higher accountability standards in Australia can give you peace of mind when you're relying on the internet for work, navigation, or staying in touch with people back home.
Ultimately, these codes are about creating a safer and more transparent online environment — so you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about unexpected digital issues.
If you're travelling as a digital nomad or staying for more than a short holiday, proper insurance is just as important as connectivity.
Australia is one of those destinations where life feels easy once you arrive — great infrastructure, reliable internet, and a strong focus on safety both online and offline. But as with any country, knowing the basics before you land makes a big difference.
Being aware of how online rules work, how platforms are regulated, and how to stay connected properly helps you avoid unnecessary stress while travelling.
