In a world first, eSafety has released two interactive assessment tools to help tech companies bolster online safety.
Commissioner of eSafety, Julie Inman Grant said the free tools were designed for both early-stage technology companies (Start-up edition) and for mid-tier or enterprise companies (Enterprise edition).
“eSafety is releasing these world-first dynamic interactive tools that help to put safety firmly front and centre of product design and development,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“The tools provide guidance for companies of all sizes and structure to help them along the way in developing safe products and assist them to embed safety into the culture, ethos and operations of their business,” she said.
Ms Inman Grant said safety risks should be assessed upfront when tech companies developed platforms that enabled social interaction and protective measures needed to be put in at the start of the product design and development process.
“We call this ‘Safety by Design’,” she said.
“Building in sound safety practices up front, rather than retrofitting safeguards after any damage has been done – after a ‘tech wreck’ moment – mitigates any further revenue, regulatory or reputational damage down the line.”
She said the new tools took participants through five core modules, each with a specific set of questions that addressed core safety topics and issues, including structure and leadership; internal policies and procedures; moderation, escalation and enforcement; user empowerment; and transparency and accountability.
Ms Inman Grant said the free interactive assessment tools could be used by organisations anywhere in the world.
“Prioritising the safety, rights and dignity of users will help create a culture of innovation, motivate workforces and ultimately will positively impact on bottom lines,” she said.
“Companies who road-tested the beta version of the tool have provided positive feedback, with some indicating it had been used as an effective internal audit tool and a ‘safety impact assessment’ for others.”
eSafety’s interactive assessment tools can be accessed at this PS News link.
