The Department of Communications and the Arts has released a consultation paper on a proposed Online Safety Charter which sets out the Government’s expectation that technology and social media companies will do more to ensure their online platforms are secure for users, particularly children.
The draft Charter has been issued for public consultation following an independent review of online safety legislation conducted by former Australian Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs.
Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield said the Charter set out what was expected from digital and social media platforms, including the removal of offensive content, stricter controls on accounts, the earlier identification of illegal and harmful content, and accountability and transparency, including regular complaint and compliance reporting.
“The Charter is an important next step in the Government’s online safety agenda,” Senator Fifield said.
“It is important that we be clear with industry about what we expect from large technology firms that have such a significant influence in our economy and community.”
He said the community expected the standards of online behaviour should be the same as those that applied offline.
“The Briggs review concluded that Australia’s current regulatory arrangements will require refurbishing to reflect the continually evolving digital environment,” Senator Fifield said.
“It makes five recommendations, including the key proposal for a single, consolidated piece of online safety legislation.”
He said the current laws rightly focused on protecting children but technology and online user behaviour had changed since they were introduced and it was now time to revisit them.
Comments on the draft charter will be sought from industry experts and the community with parent and community groups particularly encouraged to make submissions which close on 5 April.
The Department’s 16-page consultation paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
