Australia call enforceable codes for child online safety. eSafety Commissioner has mandated key online industry players to develop “enforceable codes” within 6 months to protect children from exposure to pornography and other harmful content. These codes aim to prevent young children from encountering explicit material and empower Australian internet users with options to manage their exposure to various online materials.
Why Enforceable Codes Matter?
The codes will cover a range of high-impact content, including themes of suicide, self-harm, and disordered eating, in addition to pornography. They will apply to app stores, apps, websites (including porn sites), search engines, social media, hosting services, ISPs, messaging platforms, multiplayer games, online dating services, and device providers.
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eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized the pervasive nature of online pornography, noting that children often encounter explicit material accidentally and at younger ages.
“Our research shows that while the average age when Australian children first encounter pornography is around 13, a third of these children are actually seeing this content younger and often by accident,” she said.
The Role of Social Media
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat significantly contribute to unintentional exposure, with 60% of young people encountering pornography on these platforms. The commissioner stressed the importance of preventing children from seeing violent or extreme content without guidance or context.
Proposed Safety Measures For Social Media
The industry is encouraged to implement effective barriers such as age verification, default safety settings, parental controls, and tools to filter or blur unwanted sexual content. These measures should span all technology layers, from connected devices to app stores, messaging services, social media platforms, and search engines.
Timeline and Compliance Of Enforceable Codes
Industry bodies must submit a preliminary draft of the codes by October 3, with final versions due by December 19. Public consultations will also be part of the process. The eSafety commissioner has released a Position Paper to guide the industry in developing these codes.
The eSafety commissioner can impose rules if any code falls short under the Online Safety Act provisions. The commissioner has also published an Age Assurance Tech Trends Paper to provide additional context. These new codes will complement existing protections under the Online Safety Act and align with broader initiatives like the Government’s Age Assurance Trial and the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
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Ongoing Efforts For Enforceable Codes For Child Online Safety
Last year, the eSafety commissioner issued notices to online platforms like Twitter and Meta concerning their approaches to combating online child abuse. This was followed by similar actions against online hate on social media platforms.
By implementing these enforceable codes, Australia aims to create a safer online environment for children, ensuring they are protected from harmful content and can navigate the internet safely.
