Benefits and risks of implementing cloud-based technology for child sexual abuse investigations in Australia

Abstract

This report explores the benefits and risks of implementing cloud-based infrastructure (CBI) for processing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Australian investigations. It reviews how CBI can address the challenges of scalability, cost, and inter-agency collaboration but also highlights risks related to data security, sovereignty, and legal implications. The study advocates for a shared responsibility model (SRM) to ensure that cloud-based systems remain secure while enhancing investigatory capabilities. The findings and recommendations are developed in collaboration with Oracle Corporation and demonstrate the viability of CBI in combating child sexual abuse, while continuously monitoring and addressing security vulnerabilities.