Animal rights group loses charity status

The animal rights group that posted details of thousands of farmers' addresses online has had its charity status revoked.

The charities watchdog says it took away Aussie Farms' charity status, effective from Monday, after an investigation into the group.

But the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission said it would not release its findings.

The group provoked outrage when it published an online database of farms across Australia in January, which it said it did to help the public understand where its food came from.

At the time, then-Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Aussie Farms didn't deserve its charity status.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison referred to the group as "grubs" on 2GB and called their actions despicable.

Aussie Farms also held protests at farms, including abattoirs, with the government later targeting animal rights protesters with laws to crack down on trespassers on farms.

The ACNC commissioner Gary John said on Monday charities "must stick to their purpose" under charity laws.

"Revocation of charity status is the most serious action the ACNC can take," Dr John said.

Aussie Farms would be able to appeal the decision but the findings from the investigation are to remain private due to secrecy provisions in the regulator's governing act.