Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM PDT    Text size: 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which regulates the industry, reviewed and approved this code of industry practice "to oversee, monitor and enforce."

It took effect on July 16, following a 30-day public comment period.

A copy of the code is available here.

According to IIA's chief executive, Mr. Coroneos, "The code is a big step forward for Australians."

"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 comply with Australian classification schemes," Coroneos said.

According to an IIA release, the new code promotes safer online experiences for the community (particularly children) through workable industry regulation and gives Australian content providers "clear guidelines in line with internationally accepted practices."

The code provides the Internet and mobile industries with guidance on a variety of subjects, including handling complaints; taking-down notified content; means of promoting online safety for Australian families; implementing restricted access systems for some content services; and regulating certain chat services.

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

The Internet Industry Association represents Internet providers, content creators and associated services. It issues policy guidance to government and advocacy groups on business and regulatory issues, and helps promote laws and initiatives that enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the Internet within Australia.