It seems that ISP filtering is being resurrected as the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy has welcomed the release of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Content Services Code, a new industry code of practice for providers of online and mobile phone content.
 Click to enlarge |
| courtesy: www.geeks.com |
“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 is designed to establish a framework for the regulation of new content services, such as content delivered through Internet streaming and 3G services to mobile phones.
According to Senator Conroy, 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.
“Online safety is critical for children to enjoy positive internet experiences, and to protect themselves from danger”, said Senator Conroy, and that the 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”.
The will 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.
Senator Conroy is also seeking the support of ISP’s to join the provider filtering pilot which will be undertaken later this year.
