Internet Industry Association

The Internet Industry Association (IIA) launched its draft code of practice for internet content providers for public comment. The deadline for responses is 15 May 2008.

"We are confident that the Draft Code achieves a sensible balance that promotes safer internet experiences for the community (particularly children), implements workable regulation and supports growth of the local industry," IIA's chief executive, Mr Peter Coroneos, said.

In Australia, internet industry codes must be approved, monitored and enforced by the government regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

To have the Draft Code approved by ACMA, the IIA must now undertake a process of formal industry and community consultation.

A copy of the Draft Code is available at http://www.iia.net.au/images/content services code - public consultation.pdf .

"The Draft Code is a big step forward," Mr Coroneos said. “It provides a way for locally-based commercial content service providers and live content service providers to ensure that potentially restricted commercial stored content services or live content provided by commercial content services now complies with Australian classification schemes.

The Draft Code provides industry with guidance

• handling complaints (Part C),
• taking-down notified content or content services (Part D )
• promoting online safety for Australian families (Part E)
• implementing restricted access systems for some content services (Part F); and
• regulating certain chat services (Part G).

It also explains the Internet Industry Association’s ‘Family Friendly’ scheme. Once finalised, Content Service Providers that comply with the new Code will be eligible to join the scheme.

The Act requires a minimum 30-day public consultation period for the Draft Code. Submissions can be made by email to code_consult@iia.net.au . A two page summary is also available at http://www.iia.net.au/images/about-the-draft-iia-code-for-content-service-providers.pdf

The IIA welcomes comments by 15 May 2008, which is the deadline for the consultation process.

Further information about content regulation is available from the ACMA website at www.acma.gov.au .

About the IIA

The Internet Industry Association (www.iia.net.au) represents the main net providers, content creators and associated services. It issues policy guidance to government and advocacy on business and regulatory issues, to promote laws and initiatives that enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the Net within Australia.

For further comment or background, contact

Peter Coroneos, Chief Executive, IIA
Ph: 02 6232 6900
Release Date: Tuesday 15 April 2008