Election breaches surge prompting AEC to demand stronger powers
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has reported a significant increase in social media breaches of the Electoral Act during the 2025 election. This rise coincides with a growing volume of political content being shared online.
Surge in Electoral Act Breaches
Acting commissioner Jeff Pope highlighted the challenges faced by the AEC during a parliamentary inquiry regarding the election. In 2025, the commission identified 1,020 breaches related to social media. This figure marks a stark rise from 81 breaches in 2019 and 122 in 2022.
Overview of Breaches
| Year | Breaches | Reviewed Communications |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 81 | 109 |
| 2022 | 122 | 192 |
| 2025 | 1,020 | 2,736 |
The number of social media communications reviewed also increased dramatically. The AEC assessed 2,736 posts in 2025, up from 192 in 2022. This increased vigilance reflects a shift in the AEC’s approach, focusing more on proactive monitoring rather than reactive complaints.
Calls for Stronger Regulatory Powers
During his remarks, Pope suggested that the parliament consider empowering the AEC to take stronger actions against offending content. He proposed a potential six-month delay to the implementation of political donation laws to help regulate the growing influence of social media on electoral processes.
Concerns on Election Day Behavior
Pope also expressed concerns about deteriorating behavior at polling places. He noted that the commission felt restricted by its educative role, which limited its ability to enforce the removal of harmful content. There is a recognized need for a more effective regulatory framework that extends beyond education and warnings to include escalation measures.
Future Recommendations
- Consider enhancing AEC’s regulatory powers.
- Discuss potential delays for new campaign funding regulations.
- Address concerns regarding polling place behavior.
Pope concluded by acknowledging that the AEC is prepared for upcoming changes in campaign funding and disclosure rules, set to take effect next year. However, he cautioned that some entities may struggle to comply by the deadline and suggested the parliament evaluate the timeline for these regulations.
