Australia gives internet firms six months to draft online child-safety rules

Australia has mandated that internet companies develop enforceable online child safety codes within six months to protect children from exposure to inappropriate content such as pornography, as well as other high-impact material like themes of suicide and eating disorders. The eSafety Commissioner has directed these companies to submit a preliminary draft by October 3, 2024, with final codes due by December 19, 2024. These measures are part of a broader initiative to enhance online safety for minors, and if the industry fails to produce satisfactory codes, the government will impose its own standards.

The upcoming codes will apply to a wide range of digital platforms including app stores, websites, search engines, social media, and online gaming. They are expected to incorporate tools such as age verification and default parental controls to restrict access to unsuitable content. This directive follows previous regulatory efforts to curb the spread of harmful material online, reflecting growing concerns among parents about the pervasive and invasive nature of online pornography. Despite these measures, some social media platforms like Meta and TikTok are not required to participate in the government's trial of age assurance technologies, raising questions about the efficacy of these trials.