Australia to introduce new online safety regulations in 2024

online safety

Australia is gearing up for a landmark shift in online safety with the rollout of the Consolidated Industry Codes of Practice for the Online Industry in 2024. Enforced by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, these codes will take effect in stages, commencing on 16 December 2023 and concluding on 12 March 2024. 

The comprehensive framework was designed to bolster digital safety across various online sectors. It covers social media, app distribution, internet carriage services, equipment manufacturers, and internet search engines.

The codes are a strategic response to growing concerns about online safety, specifically targeting issues like child sexual exploitation, pro-terror material, crime and violence, and drug-related content. With the overarching goal of curbing the spread of harmful content and fostering safer online experiences, the regulations represent a positive step forward for online safety.

While widely regarded as a positive development, smaller businesses may encounter challenges in meeting compliance requirements. Local internet carriage services might grapple with resource constraints. Diverging from traditional methods, cloud-based web filtering offers efficiency without the need for an extensive IT team, making it a cost-effective choice.

For businesses seeking compliance through web filtering services, critical features to consider include:

  • Categorisation capabilities
  • Regulatory compliance
  • User-friendly interfaces
  • Additional useful features
  • Detailed reports
  • Responsive support
  • Overall reputation of the service

Numerous solutions are available in the market, and some, like SafeDNS, stand out for their ability to meet all requirements simultaneously. With over a decade of experience, SafeDNS offers robust web filtering services, along with a comprehensive database of millions of domains.

As Australia moves toward a more regulated and secure online environment with the introduction of the Consolidated Industry Codes of Practice, businesses face the challenge of compliance. The onus is now on businesses to choose a solution that provides extensive, user-friendly services tailored to meet their specific needs.

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Pearl Dy
Pearl Dy
Pearl is a marketing and content specialist based in Australia. She is passionate about business and development communciations.