Codes - Internet

Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Internet Content Hosts operate under the provisions of the On Line Services section of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. In essence, this section provides that what is illegal offline (by way of content) will be illegal on-line. (e.g. child pornography and some forms of adult pornography).

The Act also provides that Internet Service Providers and Content Hosts will observe the Internet Industry Association (IIA) Codes of Practice. Further, the Act provides that the IIA will provide a list of scheduled filters as part of its Codes, and that individual ISPs will make available a schedules filter to their subscribers for use by them.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has the oversight of Internet content matters, and will investigate complaints referred to it in relation to specific web sites. The ACMA has an email hotline on which you can complain to them about content on the Internet (ACMA Hotline). For further information on Internet content complaints in general go to the ACMA website, find the heading "Internet" then go to "Complaints".