Internet Industry Association

Internet Industry Association

N  E  W  S      R  E  L  E  A  S  E
 

Friday, 14 May 2004

Internet Industry Association Welcomes Release of Online Content Review

The Internet Industry Association today announced that it was fast tracking the development of an industry code. The IIA Welcomes Review Findings on Online Content Regulation

The Internet Industry Association has welcomed the findings of the Government's review into the regulation of access to illegal and offensive internet content, tabled into Parliament yesterday.

IIA chief executive, Peter Coroneos said, "We are pleased that the Government has recognised mandatory filtering of all internet content is not a practical way of dealing with globally available, ever changing material. We maintain that the current co-regulatory regime is capable of providing Australian families with adequate safeguards for controlling children's access to inappropriate content on the internet."

"Empowering families with the knowledge and means to choose and control what is accessed in the home is far more effective than any top-down, externally determined model."

"However, like the Government, we recognise that more can be done to raise awareness of available internet filtering solutions - something users are entitled to under our current industry Codes. We envisage that enhancements to our exisiting Codes currently in process will address these and other issues raised in the Schedule 5 review."

Referring to the review's mobile content recommendations, Mr Coroneos said, "Preempting possible community concerns, industry has already moved to address the challenges associated with mobile content through the development of an revised industry code which has the support and involvement of Australia's mobile carriers. These efforts were announced on 8 March and are being fast tracked by the IIA and its members."

Mr Coroneos concluded, "All in all, Government has recognised the considerable efforts being made by industry to manage online content issues. Whie developing technology will no doubt bring with it new challenges, the IIA re-affirms its willingness to work with the Government and community advisory bodies like NetAlert to achieve a safer internet for Australian families."

Ends.

More...

For an explanation of the current co-regulatory scheme for internet content in Australia, including IIA's Family Friendly ISP (Ladybird) Scheme see www.iia.net.au/guideuser.html

For a copy of the announcement on March 8 regarding mobile internet content see: www.iia.net.au/news/40301.html

For access to IIA's National Antispam initiative visit: www.iia.net.au/nospam

For information about NetAlert, go to: www.netalert.net.au

For information about the Government's Schedule 5 review, see: www.dcita.gov.au/Article/0,,0_1-2_1-4_118876,00.html.


For further comment please contact:
Peter Coroneos
Chief Executive
Internet Industry Association (IIA)
Phone: +61 2 6232 6900
Fax: +61 2 6232 6513
http://www.iia.net.au


ABOUT THE IIA
The Internet Industry Association is Australia's national Internet industry organisation. Members include telecommunications carriers; content creators and publishers; web developers; e-commerce traders and solutions providers; hardware vendors; systems integrators; banks, insurance underwriters; Internet law firms, ISPs; educational and training institutions; Internet research analysts; and a range of other businesses providing professional and technical support services. On behalf of its members, the IIA provides policy input to government and advocacy on a range of business and regulatory issues, to promote laws and initiatives which enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the medium within Australia.