Internet Industry Association

The Internet Industry Association, Australia’s national industry body for internet commerce, content and connectivity,announced that it would move to develop a voluntary industry code of practice for ISPs to block child pornography websites on the internet.

The move comes after an announcement by the Government on 9 July that it would defer filtering legislation until after a review of the “Refused Classification” category next year.

“The review presents the industry with the chance to step up to the mark,” said IIA chief executive Peter Coroneos.

“While we fundamentally maintain the internet is predominantly safe and useful, we acknowledge community concern over access to illegal materials online, particularly child pornography.”

“We have considered alternatives and have come to the view that a voluntary industry code by which ISPs would agree to block child pornography sites once notified by the authorities is the best way forward.”

“This move would bring Australia into alignment with what ISPs are voluntarily doing in Scandinavia and the EU.”

“Our initiative will complement other work that individual companies and the IIA have developed to ensure the internet remains a safe and rewarding experience for all Australians.”

“We acknowledge that this measure will need to be supported with a renewed commitment by both Government and industry to educate and empower internet users about safer online practices.”

The IIA will amend the terms of its current “Family Friendly ISP” scheme to introduce the requirement that participating ISPs undertake reasonable measures to block access to sites designated by the relevant authorities as carrying child pornography.

Participating ISPs will be free to implement those measures as they see fit provided they meet the general requirement to block child pornography sites as notified by the authorities.

Mr Coroneos concluded: “We support the Government’s decision for a referral to the Attorney-General to evaluate the appropriateness of the current Refused Classification category and review proposed transparency measures.”