Australia’s Election Integrity Assurance Taskforce misinformation warning ahead of Federal election
Voters have been warned to expect more disinformation being used at the upcoming Federal election.
Australia’s Election Integrity Assurance Taskforce has urged voters to be wary of claims being spread online in the lead-up to the poll, while also expressing concern about the threat of foreign interference.
In a report published ahead of the election, the taskforce said the national poll could be undermined by cyber criminals in Australia and overseas.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Australians can expect there will be more misinformation and disinformation during elections, particularly online,” the report said.
“The Australian Federal election may attract a level of interest from malicious cyber actors ... whom may have the intention to disrupt, interfere with, or undermine the conduct of the 2025 Australian Federal election.”
The taskforce said while foreign actors could seek to disseminate misinformation during the campaign, the bulk of it was likely to come domestically.
“While disinformation directed covertly by a foreign power is foreign interference, most disinformation does not involve a foreign power,” the report said.
“The shifting online environment involves the use of inauthentic activity to try and influence public debate, and generative artificial intelligence to produce false narratives.”
The next election is due to be held by May 17 at the latest, although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to set a date.
The taskforce said globally elections were not immune from interference, and Australia may not be an exception.
“It is possible that foreign powers may seek to undertake similar actions in Australia,” the report said.
“Foreign interference is a more prolific threat than ever before. Individuals or groups engaging in these actions, and those assisting them are often difficult to identify, and their links to foreign powers may not be immediately apparent.”
High-profile figures such as party leaders or election infrastructure were listed as the most likely targets from foreign actors during the Federal election.
The taskforce said there was no evidence of interference, both domestically or internationally, in the previous election in 2022.
However, high-profile MPs have faced a rising number of threats against them in the recent term of parliament, with the number of Federal police reports against elected officials almost doubling in the past year.
