The Internet threat landscape has changed fundamentally since 2003 when the Spam Act was enacted with significantly increased incidence of online identity theft, a form of cyber crime. Looking forward, the concern is that this new form of criminally based activity poses the single greatest threat to trust and confidence on the Internet and, if left unchecked, will significantly harm the capacity of the Internet to be a suitable medium for e-commerce and e-government.

While the Spam Act 2003 remains and continues to be a useful piece of legislation for its specified purpose, the nature of the Internet threat environment has changed providing an opportunity for the Australian government to implement practical mechanisms that will help reduce the level of Internet based attacks emanating from or targeting Australian networks, particularly those motivated by illicit financial gain.