Australia: Online industry submitted final draft App Distribution Services Online Safety Code (Class 1C and Class 2 Material) to eSafety Commissioner for review

On 20 May 2025, the final draft of the App Distribution Services Online Safety Code (Class 1C and Class 2 Material) under the Online Safety Act 2021 was submitted to the eSafety Commissioner for review. This follows the eSafety Commissioner's letter to industry in April 2025, reinforcing concerns about multiple drafts of online safety codes submitted since October 2024. The Code was developed by Australian industry associations including the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), Communications Alliance, Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association (CESA), Digital Industry Group Inc (DIGI), and Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA). It outlines compliance measures for app distribution service providers to mitigate risks to Australian end-users, particularly children, associated with high-impact apps and simulated gambling apps. These include age assurance measures, content rating systems, and safety tools addressing access to class 1C and class 2 material such as online pornography and self-harm content.