039/06
11 May 2006

ISPs complying with consumer protection obligations

An audit of the largest Internet Service Providers in Australia has found a high degree of compliance with industry codes requiring them to be proactive about keeping consumers safe on the Internet, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, said today.

The audit was conducted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) following a request from the Minister.

“It is encouraging that ACMA’s audit of the 24 largest ISPs, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of all Australian Internet subscribers, has found a high degree of compliance with the consumer protection obligations under the codes,” Senator Coonan said.

“The audit demonstrates the effectiveness of the codes of practice which form part of the Government’s Online Content Co-regulatory Scheme. However, more can always be done to protect Australian families and consumers online.”

ISPs are required to prominently display a link to Internet safety information on their home pages, provide filters to customers at cost or below and to provide updates on filtering options to their customers every four months.

“The Internet industry has a significant role in educating their customers about Internet safety so that families have easy access to accurate and reliable information about managing the risks associated with the Internet,” Senator Coonan said.

“I encourage consumers to check whether their ISP offers information about how to manage children’s access to Internet content and how to obtain and use industry-approved Internet content filters. These filters must be provided to consumers at cost or below.”

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 have asked ACMA to extend their monitoring of compliance with the codes of practice to all ISPs on a regular, ongoing basis,” the Minister said.

“The Government will continue to examine ways in which we can encourage the industry and consumers to be more vigilant about cracking down on inappropriate and offensive material on the web.”

The Internet industry codes of practice 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. The audit report is available on the ACMA website at: www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTER.131174:STANDARD:434541732:pc=PC_90080#acma_audit.