Australia - code of conduct for content

ACMA approves industry code of practice to protect children from unsuitable online and mobile phone content
see also the code

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has approved the Content Services Code, an industry code of practice for providers of online and mobile phone content developed by the Internet Industry Association (IIA).

‘The code is the result of collaboration across a wide cross-section of industry and ACMA is encouraged by the code’s recognition that content regulation must be approached from the perspective of convergence between the two major platforms for delivery of online content, the internet and mobile phones,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

The code says that all content likely to be MA15+ or above must be assessed and classified by trained content assessors, hired by providers of online and mobile content. By requiring content classification assessment, this code assists both children and their parents to make informed choices about what is, or is not, suitable for viewing online or on mobile phones.

The code also includes best practice guidance for providers and hosts of content on how to manage and respond to customer complaints and contains information about online safety and the risks around the use of chat services for consumers.

The code will form part of new rules, introduced in legislation last year, that establish a regulatory framework for all content delivered online and via mobile phones. The new regulatory framework introduces measures to protect the safety of children when using online and mobile content services.

The code is consistent with the emerging global approach to online and mobile content regulation as exemplified in similar guidance for interactive content services prepared by an international task force that included ACMA. The guidance was released in the UK earlier this year.