Is it time for an offence of ‘dishonest algorithmic manipulation for electoral gain’?

Algorithms impact important aspects of our lives and of society. There are now strong concerns about algorithmic manipulation, used by domestic actors or foreign powers, in attempts to influence the political process, including the outcome of elections. There is no reason to think that Australia is immune or protected from such activities and we ought to carefully consider how to tackle such threats – threats that go to the very heart of a democratic society. In this article, we examine the potential introduction of a Commonwealth offence of ‘dishonest algorithmic manipulation for electoral gain’.