"We must move beyond the notion some people still have, that the internet and social media are a lawless space," George Brandis said in Washington during a three-day summit on managing extremism.
The online environment is rich for terrorist recruitment and propaganda, Brandis stressed, adding that Australia’s government already monitors social media to identify online criminal activity.
However, Brandis expressed concern that the plan may renew the dispute on online privacy and free speech.
Islamic State that seized large parts of Syria and Iraq has been using the Internet to spread its propaganda. The group is widely known for posting online videos depicting violent executions of foreigners.
ISIL propaganda has inspired vulnerable people to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in Sydney, Paris and Copenhagen, Brandis said.
The White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism is aimed at discussing domestic and international efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism. The summit started on Tuesday and included ministerial-level participation from approximately 60 nations from all over the world to address the spread of radicalization.
Australia will hold a similar summit with its neighboring countries in the middle of the year, Brandis said.
