135/05
28 November 2005
Internet audit to ensure all ISPs are keeping the net safe
Following a representation from the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will continuously monitor the Internet industry’s compliance with the relevant codes of practice in a bid to boost protections for children and families online.
The Minister wrote to the acting Chair of ACMA, Ms Lyn Maddock, encouraging the agency to extend their monitoring to all ISPs on a regular, ongoing basis, following its initial audit of the top 20 Internet service providers (ISPs) that will commence immediately.
The audit will check whether the 20 largest ISPs are complying with the new Internet industry codes of practice to keep the Internet safe. The codes were developed by the Internet Industry Association and registered by the then Australian Broadcasting Authority in May 2005 following extensive community consultation.
“Monitoring of code compliance is an important element of the Australian Government’s strategy to protect Australian children and families from illegal and offensive material found on the Internet,” Senator Coonan said.
“The Government legislates, regulates and educates to protect all Australians, particularly young children, from inappropriate and offensive material on the Internet. We are tough on internet pornography and committed to protecting Australian children and families from the scourge of inappropriate material that can be inadvertently found on the Internet.
“The Australian Government already funds Internet Safety Agency NetAlert, we ban X and RC material from being hosted by Australian ISPs and content hosts, we require all ISPs to provide filters at cost or below to consumers and can fine ISPs if they do not comply with the industry codes.
“It is important the Internet industry recognises the significant role they have in educating their customers about Internet safety so that all Australians can have a safe and enjoyable Internet experience. Regular and ongoing monitoring of the compliance of ISPs with the codes by ACMA is one way to ensure this.”
The codes require ISPs to prominently display a link to Internet safety information on their home pages, provide filters to customers at cost or below price and to provide updates on filtering options to their customers every four months.
“The code requirements on ISPs are not unduly onerous and the Government regards non-compliance as a very serious issue,” Senator Coonan said.
Compliance with the codes is enforced by ACMA and ISPs can be fined up to $27 500 per day. ACMA also has the power to make an industry standard if an industry code is found to be deficient.
“I look forward to the outcome of the audit expected early in 2006,” Senator Coonan said.
The codes will be reviewed again in mid-2006 to take into account any developments in filtering technologies and community concerns which may have arisen during this time.
Media Contact: Jane McMillan 0438 690 305