eSafety tech leadership reshuffle sees CIO elevated

Australia’s Office of the eSafety Commissioner has unveiled a rejig of its technology leadership that creates a chief information and digital officer (CIDO) role.

The new CIDO role will oversee technology, digital and data capabilities and report to Kathryn King, who has been promoted from CIO to general manager of eSafety’s Technology and Strategy Group.

In a statement to iTnews, eSafety said the role “builds on the position” previously held by King.

“The role complements eSafety’s existing leadership structure and is designed to support ongoing delivery of digital transformation initiatives and ensure continuous improvement of eSafety’s tech capabilities in line with broader organisational goals,” a spokesperson said.

“As the organisation expands in scope and complexity, this role will drive the integration of innovative technology, data-driven decision-making, and robust cybersecurity measures to strengthen eSafety’s regulatory framework.”

eSafety's new CIDO will be tasked with carrying out the body's digital transformation initiatives, improving processes and engagement with the business and “positioning the branch as a trusted partner”.

An advertisement notes that eSafety “supports highly sensitive material that must be protected through robust and privacy preserving ICT systems” alongside compliance and enforcement activities that “require strong evidence handling and streamlined workflows”.

Overseen by Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, eSafety is a regulatory body combatting a range of online harms.

The body is currently seeking more "technical regulation powers” that it could use against certain online app makers and platforms that turn a blind eye to obviously fake accounts.