Internet codes focus on child safety

Three content codes of practice developed by the Internet Industry Association (IIA) aim to assist families in managing their internet use.

The codes have been approved by the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) and are binding on all ISPs, content hosts and mobile carriers in Australia.

"The registration of the latest Codes now puts Australia at the forefront of international efforts in online child protection," said Peter Coroneos, chief exective at IIA.

The codes required ISPs to prominently display a link to internet safety information on their home page and provide customers with regular updates on filtering options every four months.

Content delivered to multimedia-enabled mobile phones was also covered and outlined steps for mobile carriers to take in order to protect minors from unsuitable content.

"While internet on mobile phones is not yet in widespread use by children, our objective has been to have best-practice protections in place and ready for when they are," said Coroneos.

Minister for Communications, IT and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan said that the codes demonstrated that many ISPs recognised the role they had in educating customers about internet safety.
 
"The Australian Government welcomes initiatives taken in the codes by the internet industry, as it is important for all Australians to have a safe and enjoyable internet experience," Coonan said in a statement.

A review of the codes would take place in 12 months to take into account changes in filtering technology and community concerns that may arise.