Australians reject proposal of sex consent app as sexual abuse cases soar

18 March 2021 - 10:53
By TimesLIVE
Protesters rally in response to the treatment of women in politics after several sexual assault allegations, as part of the Women's March 4 Justice rally in Melbourne, Australia, on March 15 2021.
Image: REUTERS/Melanie Burton Protesters rally in response to the treatment of women in politics after several sexual assault allegations, as part of the Women's March 4 Justice rally in Melbourne, Australia, on March 15 2021.

Australian activists were left fuming after New South Wales police commissioner Mick Fuller proposed that the country should develop a sex consent app. 

The BBC reported that Fuller argued that the app would help in ensuring that “positive consent” is maintained between parties who wish to engage in a sexual act.

Australia has been grappling with sexual abuse incidents which saw thousands of locals taking to the streets on Monday to voice their anger.

Australians rejected the sex app proposal, saying it would result in more abuse and posed a threat to privacy, as it could be used for state surveillance.

Some lawmakers also criticised the app suggestion, saying it is not enough to put an end to abuse. They said the government should rather focus its efforts on strengthening sexual assault laws and creating more awareness on the scourge.

TimesLIVE