Content rules extended to convergent devices

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 14 June 2006 19:22

IT Policy - Regulation

The Federal Government will put in place new safeguards to protect consumers from inappropriate or harmful material on emerging content services such as 3G mobile phones and subscription-based Internet portals.
Announcing the plan, the minister for communications, information technology and the arts, Senator Helen Coonan, said: "I will soon bring to Parliament legislative measures to provide safeguards comparable to those in place for traditional media. It will extend the current safeguards that apply to content delivered over the Internet or television to be applied to content delivered over convergent devices.

"This will include prohibition of content rated X18+ and above, requirements for consumer advice and age-restricting access to content suited only to adults."

She promised that strong sanctions would apply for non-compliance with the new regulatory framework, including criminal penalties for serious offences.

The move follows recommendations contained in a review of the regulation of content delivered over convergent devices prepared by DCITA. It found there was a need for specific safeguards for users of these services.

"The Government supports the development of innovative new communications services which provide access to the Internet, email, games, instant messaging, chat rooms, video clips and television programs," the minister said. "However, these new content services may also potentially carry offensive or harmful content and we need to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect children from exposure to content that might be harmful."