What is foreign interference?
Sometimes it can be difficult to identify foreign interference.
Foreign interference can take different forms.
Example 1: Some governments may threaten or harass people who express different views
A lawyer made a speech at a human rights rally in Australia. After the speech, she was followed by an unknown man and photographed and her father’s car was vandalised at the direction of a foreign government.
She received threats not to spread lies about the foreign government and her family overseas were questioned about their Australian relatives. When she attended another rally, her brother overseas was imprisoned by the foreign government.
Example 2: Some foreign governments may try to limit freedom of expression
Posters were placed on an Australian university campus by an artist critical of a foreign government.
Student groups who act for the interests of a foreign government were directed by the relevant embassy to ask for the posters to be removed, because they disagreed with the content.
However, the university did not remove the posters as this would have violated the artist’s freedom of expression.
What is freedom of opinion and expression?
Freedom of opinion and expression is the right of every person to hold and express their own views, and engage in behaviours without censorship by others. These behaviours can include freedom to discuss public affairs, freedom to hold opposing views to others, and freedom to engage in peaceful demonstrations and meetings.
Example 3: Some foreign governments may use online campaigns to silence people who criticise them
A journalist wrote a media article critical of a foreign government.
The journalist was then targeted online by a coordinated campaign directed by a foreign government to discredit and humiliate them.
The journalist’s email and social media accounts were accessed without permission and personal information, including their phone number and home address, were posted online.
The journalist received multiple messages from fake social media accounts demanding the journalist remove and apologise for their media article.
What is not foreign interference?
The diversity of experiences and views in our multicultural society is a strength.
In Australia, lawful political engagement and advocacy are encouraged and protected.
All governments, including the Australian Government, try to influence important issues and policies in Australia. When carried out in an open and transparent manner that is respectful of our people, society and democratic systems, these activities are not foreign interference.
We expect other governments to behave in a manner that is respectful of Australia’s people, society and institutions. When they do, their activities can make a positive contribution to Australia.
How to register foreign influence activities
Some activities on behalf of foreign actors, including foreign governments, may need to be registered under Australia’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme(Opens in a new tab/window).
Questions to ask yourself
When deciding if something might be foreign interference, ask yourself these questions.