Safer Internet Day is a global event that unites communities, families, industry, schools around a common goal - creating safer online spaces.
The theme #ConnectReflectProtect invites us to consider what actions we can take to make a safer internet. While many of today’s discussions will focus on the kinds of actions we can take as individuals to have more control over our experiences online, there’s another important piece of the puzzle. When it comes to online safety, we all have a part to play.
DIGI’s members invest heavily in online safety and have tailored policies and reporting procedures that reflect the kind of service they deliver. The best place to start when you encounter potentially harmful content online is by reporting it to the digital platform for review.
DIGI also contributes to a safer internet through our work on the Online Safety Codes. The world leading codes, drafted by us and other industry associations, regulate seriously harmful online content, including child sexual exploitation and pro-terror material. This offers an additional layer of protection to Australians online.
The codes covering social media companies, app stores, internet service providers, hosting providers, device manufacturers and suppliers, which were registered by the eSafety Commissioner in June this year became enforceable on 16 December 2023. The Search Engine Services Code, which was registered in September this year, will become enforceable by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner on 12 March 2024.
The Online Safety Codes require digital services and equipment suppliers and manufacturers to implement a range of measures including best practice tools and safety settings and risk management processes that together enhance the safety of the digital environment for end-users in Australia.
We believe it’s vital that Australians understand what tools are available to them from digital platforms and the government, if they need support with an experience online.
