On 26 March 2002, the IIA launched the IIA Family Friendly ISP scheme. This is designed to dovetail with the Codes of Practice by providing a visible symbol, the "Family Friendly Seal" to show which Australian ISPs are compliant with the IIA Codes. It is hoped that internet users, particularly those responsible for the care of children using the internet, will take advantage of the information and tools that compliant ISPs must offer as part of the code scheme. 

What does the "IIA Family Friendly ISP"  seal mean?

Australian ISPs bearing this seal have agreed to comply with the IIA Codes of Practice. Under the IIA Codes, ISPs are required to provide their users with certain information, plus the option of obtaining a "IIA Family Friendly" content filter (ie. one that is on the IIA Family Friendly filters published on this page).

The Family Friendly ISP Licence Agreement is available from admin@iia.net.au

If you want to download a filter or activate a filtered service now

The list of Accredited IIA Family Friendly Filters is available here

What are IIA Family Friendly filters?

In general terms, filters are computer programs designed to limit access to certain types of content on the internet. It is important to note that the use of filters is not mandatory in Australia, either under law or the IIA Codes. Users can choose whether or not to install filters, and if and when to activate them. Likewise, ISPs are not required to filter or monitor internet traffic. However, the IIA recognises that some families find filters a useful addition to direct parental supervision, and for that reason supports their availability.

To qualify for IIA Family Friendly Filter status, a filter must undergo rigorous independent testing to ensure that it meets the criteria as set out in the IIA Codes. These include effectiveness, ease of use, configurability, availability of support and agreement by the filter company providing the filter to update the filter as required by ACMA, for example where ACMA determines following a complaint, that a specified site is prohibited under Australian law.

Filters operate in different ways, and different filters will be better suited to different operating environments and age groups. More information about filters can be obtained from  ACMA or Stay Smart Online. In addition, the list of IIA filters currently recognised under our Codes is also available here. To be compliant with the IIA Codes, ISPs must offer an IIA Family Friendly Filter.

2011 Update to IIA Family Friendly Filter Program

The IIA Family Friendly filter program has been reviewed in 2011 and qualification as an IIA Family Friendly Filter has been broken up into different classification codes.

Unclassified – ACMA Prohibited URL Filter (PUF) – recommended for 18+ years of age

Class 1 – recommended for children over 15 years of age

Class 2 – recommended for children between 10 and 15 years of age

Class 3 – recommended for children under 10 years of age

Participating ISP's

• Australian Private Networks - Activ8me
• Dreamtilt
• Grapevine
• iiNet
  
• Montimedia Communications
  
• Optus
  
• UQConnect
  
• Virgin Broadband
  
• Web Management InterActive Technologies
• Westnet

More on the Family Friendly Program

Important points to note...

• The IIA Family Friendly ISP program is here to help the public better identify code-compliant ISPs, that is, ISPs who have agreed to assist those families with information and tools to help make the internet experience a little safer for their children.
• IIA Family Friendly filters are not intended to replace adult supervision and should not be relied upon as an infallible substitute for this. However, they can be useful to assist some families, which is why they form part of the overall scheme.
• The IIA wrote the Codes of Practice to provide guidance for ISPs who want to provide a "family friendly" service; in complying with the IIA code, ISPs also know that they are also complying with Australian law
• The IIA does not warrant that an ISP bearing the "IIA Family Friendly ISP" seal is necessarily compliant with our Codes, or that internet users who choose that ISP will not access potentially offensive material online, even if provided with tools and information by a Code compliant ISP. However, by agreement with the IIA, and as a condition of use of the symbol, the ISP promises that they will follow the Codes and do those things that the Codes require of them.
• ACMA monitors compliance with the IIA Codes. Complaints about non-compliance should be directed to ACMA (at www.acma.gov.au). ACMA also has a complaints system which deals with seriously offensive material on the internet.
• The IIA will take steps against a non-compliant ISP who bears the seal, in breach of its undertaking to comply. This can include terminating the license agreement which gives permission to use the seal.