ISPs keeping compliant

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has reported that local ISPs are doing their part for online consumer safety.

The regulatory body has announced that the findings of an audit into local ISPs has found a high degree of compliance with industry codes on keeping consumers safe on the internet.

The audit of the 24 largest ISPs, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of all Australian subscribers, was request by ICT Minister, Senator Helen Coonan.

“The audit demonstrates the effectiveness of the codes of practice which form part of the Government’s Online Content Co-regulatory Scheme,” Coonan claimed in a statement. “However, more can always be done."

ISPs are currently required to display a link to internet safety information on their home pages, provide filters to customers at cost or below and to provide updates on filtering options to their customers every four months, Coonan said.

Companies breaching the codes can be fined up to $27,500 per day of the breach.

Coonan said she had asked the ACMA to extend its monitoring of compliance with the codes of practice to all ISPs on a regular basis.

“The Government will continue to examine ways in which we can encourage the industry and consumers to be more vigilant about cracking down on inappropriate and offensive material on the web.”

The internet industry codes of practice will next be reviewed in mid-2006.