Sex offenders who do not provide police with passwords for encrypted information could face jail time under new offences being considered by the ACT Government.
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Proposed laws would also give police new search powers and the ability to publish the name and photograph of a registered offender wanted in relation to police inquiries.
However, police would not be able to disclose the offender's status as a registered child sex offender.
The ACT Government on Friday sought community views on the proposals to strengthen the ACT's child sex offender laws.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell said the proposed amendments would give police special powers to better monitor and manage registered sex offenders.
"The reforms aim to reduce the likelihood of convicted child sex offenders reoffending, and provide more support to authorities during the investigation and prosecution process," Mr Corbell said.
"Officers will be given new powers to enter and search a property, meaning personal details reported by a registered sex offender will be quickly and easily verified.
"Police powers will also be extended to allow officers to request a registered offender's details relating to encrypted information, including passwords and other access details, when making an application for an entry and search warrant."
Under the new offences, offenders could face up to five years' imprisonment or fines of up to $75,000 if they did not comply with an entry and search warrant.
Mr Corbell said the impact of the proposed laws on a registered offender's personal freedom would be carefully balanced against the protection of children and the wider ACT community.
"The Government wants to ensure all Canberrans live in a city that is safe, inclusive and respectful."
Mr Corbell said the reforms would will work in conjunction with measures already in place.
"The proposed amendments are tailored to the ACT's experience of child sex offence issues, however, they will not affect the overall integrity of the national scheme in relation to child sex offender laws."
The proposed amendments to the ACT child sex offender laws can be viewed at justice.act.gov.au.
Feedback can be provided directly to the Justice and Community Safety Directorate at jacslpp@act.gov.au or by writing to Legislation, Policy and Programs, GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT.
Submissions close on March 20.
