Tips to browse safely online

Here you'll find some basic tips to protect your privacy and reduce the ability for people to see what you do online.

The 'Close this site' button

Some pages on this website include a 'Close this site' button. Use this button to quickly hide what you are looking at. You might find this helpful if someone comes into the room or looks over your shoulder and you don't want them to know what you've been looking at.

When you use the 'Close this site' button, it immediately closes this website and opens the Google search page in a new window.

You can also quickly close this site by using the ESC button on your computer keyboard. It immediately closes this website and opens the Google search page in a new window.

The 'Close this site' function doesn't delete your browser history. This means that if someone checks your browser history on your computer or mobile device, they will be able to see everything you looked at on our website.

Clear your browsing history regularly

Web browsers keep track of your online activity through your browser history, cookies and caching. This is so you can find websites you've visited before, but it also means other people can see this data.

To protect your privacy, it's a good idea to clear your browsing history regularly. You can choose to delete everything or only some things.

Find out how to clear your browsing history in:

For other browsers and devices, check the provider's website.

Use private browsing

Private browsing is an easy way to hide your browsing habits. If enabled, when you close your browser, all browsing history and stored cookies from future browsing sessions will automatically disappear.

However, the sites you visited during your current browsing session will record your browsing activity. Your internet service provider will also record this information. Any files you download using private browsing won't be deleted, so other people can access them if they use your device.

Find out how to enable private browsing in:

Internet Explorer
- In the 'Tools' menu (the cog icon on top right of the browser window), select 'Safety', then 'InPrivate Browsing'.
Google Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Safari on iPhones or iPads.

For other browsers and devices, check the provider's website.

Accounts and passwords

Don't let your browser auto-save your passwords. While the auto-save function may be convenient, it gives anyone who uses your device access to your accounts.

When you are using an account with a password (e.g. your social media or email account), always log out before leaving the website.

Using other computers and devices

If you are worried about someone looking at your internet use, consider using a computer or device that they can't access.

This might be a computer at your local library, your work computer, or a family or friend's device. But again, don't auto-save any passwords and make sure you log out of your accounts when you've finished using the computer.

This advice is from "Tips to browse safely online" by The State of Queensland.

The content is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license.

New virtual bail courts in NSW

The way the NSW court system deals with bail hearings on weekdays is changing.

See the below fact sheet for what you need to know, or continue reading below.

View fact sheet

What's changing?

From 7 July 2025, most adults in regional NSW who are refused bail by police or arrested on a warrant will go to court by video link instead of in-person.
This will be a new online-only court hub. The magistrate, prosecutor and lawyer will all be there by video link as well.
Eventually, all bail applications in NSW will be heard in the new virtual courts.

Can family and community attend the virtual bail court?

Family, friends and support people can attend court to support the person applying for bail, but not in-person because the new court is online only.
Observing the bail hearing requires access to the internet and a device like a smartphone, tablet or computer.
For instructions about how to dial in, family members and support people will need to speak to their nearest local court registry, or contact the Bail Division Registry: [email protected]

Will I have a lawyer for my bail application?

Adults from regional NSW who need to apply for bail in the new online courts will have access to free legal help from a duty lawyer.
This will not be an ALS lawyer because at this time, the ALS has not received funding to be able to appear in up to 10 new online courts.
When you speak to the duty lawyer, you can ask them to transfer your file to the ALS after the hearing.

What will happen after the bail hearing?

Your case will return to the regular Local Court in your area and proceed through the normal court process.
To see if the ALS can represent you, call your local ALS office on 1800 765 767 after court.
People in prison can call the ALS by dialling #12 on the CADL system.

What about children's bail hearings?

The Children’s Court is changing the way bail hearings work, too.
Bail hearings for most children from regional NSW will now be online.
There will be no change for children in metropolitan Sydney, Campbelltown or on the Central Coast.
If family needs to find out where a young person’s bail hearing will be listed, and how to attend, call the Parramatta Children’s Court on (02) 8688 1888.

Have questions or need help?

Call your local ALS office on 1800 765 767.
If you are an ACCO and would like someone to speak to your staff about this change, contact [email protected].

I identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

I consent to receiving occasional updates from the ALS

Call 1800 765 767
for free legal help

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and travel. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present and acknowledge the contribution and sacrifices our Elders have made to better our community and future. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this site contains names and images of people who have passed away.