Australia: Implemented Equipment Online Safety Code

On 16 December 2023, the Equipment Online Safety Code under the Online Safety Act 2021 entered into force. The Code applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and equipment service and installation providers offering services to Australian end users and operating system (OS) providers. It categorises devices into three tiers based on their level of interaction, portability, and ability to browse the internet. Interactive (Tier 1) devices are personal, portable, user-interactive, and designed for general web browsing. Secondary (Tier 2) devices are user-interactive but not primarily intended for internet browsing and may be personal or communal. Non-interactive (Tier 3) devices do not fit into the first two categories and offer limited or no user interaction or web browsing capabilities. The Code outlines the role of these providers in promoting online safety and introduces specific compliance measures. These include providing information on the safe use of devices, participating in annual industry forums, and developing tools within operating systems to help reduce harm to children. In addition, annual reporting by manufacturers and OS providers on compliance efforts and user complaints aims to increase transparency and accountability within the industry.