Why Do We Need a Secure Locally Governed Digital Ecosystem?
Australians are increasingly frustrated with international social media platforms because they expose users to overseas scammers, fake profiles, bots, foreign influence and constant privacy risks. These platforms store Australian data offshore under foreign laws, prioritise multinational advertisers over local businesses, push irrelevant global content into Australian feeds, and lack meaningful accountability or cultural alignment with Australian communities. Small businesses struggle to compete with global
brands, neighbourhoods lose genuine local connection, everyday users face rising fraud, manipulation and a flood of non-Australian activity that these global platforms are simply too large and too international to fix.
OurLocal solves these issues by building Australia’s first Australian-only, secure, locally governed digital ecosystem where only verified Australians can join. By blocking VPNs, proxies, overseas IP addresses, we dramatically reduce scam exposure and eliminate foreign interference. All data is stored in Australia under Australian privacy law and the platform prioritises real local people, real local conversations and real Australian businesses. With tools such as local advertising, microsites, bookings, e-commerce and community groups built specifically for Australian users and regulations, OurLocal becomes a safe, relevant, sovereign digital home. It restores trust, protects privacy, empowers small businesses and rebuilds genuine community connection in a way no global platform can.
What Problems Does OurLocal Solve for Australians?
Overseas Scams Targeting Australians
International platforms allow millions of overseas accounts to contact Australians, leading to romance scams, crypto scams, fake investments and identity theft. OurLocal is Australian-only: we use IP filtering, VPN and proxy blocking and Australian-only signup verification so overseas accounts cannot access the platform. This dramatically reduces the scam surface area.
Fake Profiles & Bots
Global platforms struggle with huge volumes of fake accounts and bots spreading spam, misinformation and fraud. OurLocal verifies that users are real Australians. Automated and manual checks, location indicators and anti-bot protections make it much harder for fake accounts to operate, increasing trust and authenticity.
Data Stored & Processed Overseas
On
international platforms, Australian users’ data is stored offshore and
controlled under foreign laws, with limited Australian recourse. OurLocal
stores all data in Australia. Data is hosted on Australian infrastructure and
handled under the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles, so
information never has to leave the country..
Irrelevant Content & Foreign Influence
Feeds are
often flooded with overseas content, political messaging and advertising that
is not relevant to Australian life. OurLocal is built around Australian content
and community. Local posts, local discussions, Australian news, groups and
businesses are prioritised so the experience feels relevant, local and
familiar.
Australian Small Business Cannot Compete With Multi-Nationals
On global
platforms, ad auctions favour big brands with big budgets. Small Australian
businesses get drowned out or pay too much for low-quality engagement. OurLocal
flips this. We focus on Australian SMEs with affordable ad options, local
targeting, business listings and tools like microsites, bookings, shopping
carts and delivery so they can properly reach real local customers.
Australian Small Business Cannot Compete With Multi-Nationals
On global platforms ad auctions favour big brands with big budgets. Small Australian businesses get drowned out or pay too much for low-quality engagement. OurLocal flips this. We focus on Australian SMEs with affordable ad options, local targeting, business listings and tools like microsites, bookings, shopping carts and delivery so they can properly reach real local customers.
Lack of Genuine Community Engagement
International
platforms do not focus on neighbourhoods, local clubs, councils or real
grassroots communities. OurLocal supports local groups, clubs and regions.
Users can join suburb, town, regional and interest-based communities with
verified Australian members, making it easier to connect with people nearby and
rebuild local networks.
Algorithm-driven, manipulative feeds
Global platforms
optimise for engagement, not wellbeing. This can promote divisive or
sensational content, much of it from outside Australia. OurLocal prioritises
simple, transparent content delivery. The focus is on meaningful local
interaction, community value and useful information for Australians, not purely
algorithmic engagement.
No Australian Accountability or Control
Policy, moderation, data use and corporate decisions for global platforms are made offshore with limited Australian input or oversight. OurLocal is Australian-owned and Australian-operated. Decisions, policies and enforcement are aligned with Australian law, Australian values and Australian regulatory expectations..
Limited Tools Tailored for Australian Businesses
International systems are designed for global rules and markets, not specifically for Australian compliance, tax, consumer law or trading patterns. OurLocal is designed for Australian conditions from the start. Features, policies and business tools are built around local regulation, local payment systems and the needs of Australian traders and service providers.
Fake Reviews and Scammers Charging Money for Removals
Overseas
scammers exploit review systems by posting harmful fake reviews and then demanding
payment to remove or change them (as highlighted by ACA 26-11-2025). OurLocal
prevents fake reviews by requiring every user to be validated as an Australian.
No overseas accounts, no bots, no anonymous profiles. Reviews come only from
real Australian customers, restoring trust and making business feedback genuine
and reliable. Since scammers cannot access the platform, no one can extort
businesses by posting harmful fake reviews or demanding payment for removal.
No Single, Australian Digital Location
Australians are spread across many foreign-owned apps with no unified, sovereign digital community. OurLocal aims to become Australia’s digital home a place where social connection, local commerce, events, groups and business tools all live together in one secure, Australian-only ecosystem.