Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Industry Code of Practice to make internet a safer place for children

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed the release of the Content Services Code, a new industry code of practice for providers of online and mobile phone content. The new code was approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority on 10 July 2008.

"This is the first industry code under the new Schedule 7 of the Broadcasting Services Act, which commenced in January 2008," Senator Conroy said.

The legislation establishes a framework for the regulation of new content services, such as content delivered through Internet streaming and 3G services to mobile phones.

The scheme provides a means for addressing complaints about certain types of content, and also provides protection to children from exposure to unsuitable content across a range of delivery platforms.

The code sets out requirements for content providers in relation to the classification of content and also best practice guidance on how to comply with the new laws.

"The code is an important part of the co-regulatory approach intended by Schedule 7, and is part of the Government broader strategy to promote online safety for Australians," Senator Conroy said.

"Online safety is critical for children to enjoy positive internet experiences, and to protect themselves from danger."

The Australian Government has committed $125.8 million over the next four years to a comprehensive range of cyber-safety measures, including law enforcement, filtering and education. Measures include:

• funding to enable the Australian Federal Police Child Protection Operations Team to expand its capacity to detect and investigate online child abuse
• ISP level filtering of illegal material such as images of the sexual abuse of children
• a new web site specifically for children
• education resources and a dedicated cyber-safety helpline
• a broadly focused Consultative Working Group on Cyber Safety
• a Youth Advisory Group to advise Government on the relevance and effectiveness of its cyber-safety programs, and
• further Australian research into the online environment.

"I commend the Internet Industry Association taskforce for its involvement and recognition of the importance of ensuring the internet is a safer place," Senator Conroy said.

"I encourage industry to continue to provide support to cyber safety initiatives including the work of the Consultative Working Group. I also seek the support of the internet industry for the internet service provider filtering pilot which will be undertaken later this year."

ends

Date: 16 July 2008
Contact: Belinda Dennett (02) 6277 7480