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I am delighted to announce the internet industry in Australia is taking some action to regulate itself for the benefit of everyone who uses the Internet, particularly children. The Internet Industry Association (IIA) has launched its draft code of practice for internet content providers, for public comment.
“We are confident that the Draft Code achieves a sensible balance that promotes safer internet experiences for the community (particularly children), implements workable regulation and supports growth of the local industry,” IIA’s chief executive, Mr Peter Coroneos, said.
In Australia, internet industry codes must be approved, monitored and enforced by the government regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (‘ACMA’). To have the Draft Code approved by ACMA, the IIA must now undertake a process of formal industry and community consultation. A copy of the Draft Code is available at the website.
“The Draft Code is a big step forward,” Mr Coroneos said. “It provides a way for locally-based commercial content service providers and live content service providers to ensure that potentially restricted commercial stored content services or live content provided by commercial content services now complies with Australian classification schemes.”
Once finalised, Content Service Providers that comply with the new Code will be eligible to join the scheme.
The Act requires a minimum 30-day public consultation period for the Draft Code. Submissions can be made by email to code_consult@iia.net.au.
The IIA invites the public to submit comments by 15 May 2008, which is the deadline for the consultation process.
AAP