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Last updated Mar 2006 Internet Content Regulation Checklist Contents of this Guide Introduction
ISP Obligations
Compliance Checklists
NetAlert Compliance Manual
Scheduled Filters and Contact Details
Future updates to the Schedule Introduction
The Internet Industry Association (IIA) has prepared the following guide to assist Australian ISPs to comply with the co-regulatory framework for online content. These requirements are the product of both industry and end-user consultation and negotiation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The IIA believes that the new rules strike a reasonable balance between providing positive protection for end users and the ability of the industry to carry on day to day activities without excessive cost or adverse network impact.
The focus of the IIA's approach is on facilitating end-user empowerment by providing Australian internet users with both the tools and information by which they can take greater control for content accessible via the Net.
IIA Family Friendly ISP Program
ISPs who are compliant with the IIA Codes are eligible to apply for IIA 'Family Friendly ISP' status. This does not require joining the IIA, although IIA member ISPs are able to participate in the program at no cost. Family Friendly ISPs are authorised to display the Ladybird Logo which signifies adherence to best practice standards. 
The License Agreement is available for download. Simply click on the link below. IIA Family Friendly Licence Agreement.pdf
ISP Obligations
Under the registered codes of practice for content regulation (current ver. 10.4), ISPs who provide access to users within Australia are required to:
take reasonable steps to ensure that Internet access accounts are not provided to persons under the age of 18 years without the consent of a parent, teacher or other responsible adult. what this means in practice: A number of suggested options for achieving this are included in the Code
take reasonable steps to encourage commercial content providers to use appropriate labelling systems and to inform them of their legal responsbilities in regard to the content they publish. what this means in practice: The IIA has compiled a resource for this purpose - ISPs are advised to direct users to the IIA Guide for Internet Users
take reasonable steps to provide users with information about: supervising and controlling children's access to Internet content procedures which parents can implement to control children's access to Internet content their right to make complaints to the ABA about online content procedures by which such complaints can be made what this means in practice: Again, the IIA has compiled a resource for this purpose - ISPs are advised to direct users to the IIA Guide for Internet Users
provide users with, or direct them to, information describing methods by which receipt of unsolicited email promoting offensive material can be minimised what this means in practice: The IIA has compiled a resource to assist - ISPs will satisfy this reqirement by pointing users to the IIA Guide for Internet Users
where an ISP is aware of the identity and email address of a content host, advise the relevant Content Host by email about Prohibited Content Since the legislation does not refer to 'potential prohibited content' here, ISPs will not be required to evaluate the content themselves what this means in practice: ACMA is likely to be the only body who will know that material is prohibited. Therefore this requirement will in practice translate to relaying a message from ACMA to the content host). This provision is required by legislation and was included to assist ACMA in notifying a content host that they are hosting prohibited content.
ISPs must make available to subscribers within Australia a Scheduled Filter or optional filtered service (only Scheduled filters will provide legal compliance) where the ISP chooses charge for a filter, this charge must not exceed the total cost of obtainging, supplying and supporting the filter the making available of a filter or filtered servuce will not be required where the ISP provides to an exempted class of subscribers which include some commercial subscribers, schools and institutions already subject to filtering, or end users who advise the ISP that they are already using an Scheduled Filter. Where an ISP has a commercial customer, the ISP has the option of providing or directing users to consulting services for network filtering solutions, at a charge determined by the ISP. what this means in practice: ISPs are NOT required
- to filter or in any way block content themselves (unless they choose to install an Scheduled server-level filter for optional use by customers).
- to ensure that end-users install or operate the filters provided for use.
This page provides a list of 'Scheduled Filters' - this list will continue to grow as alternative solutions develop. | back to top |
Code Compliance Checklists
The IIA has created Compliance Checklists to assist member ISPs to comply with the Codes. Compliance Manual for ISPs and Content Hosts.
Scheduled Filters
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