Australia: Hosting Services Online Safety Code (Class 1C and Class 2 Material) enters into force

On 27 December 2025, the Hosting Services Online Safety Code (Class 1C and Class 2 Material) under the Online Safety Act 2021 enters into force. The Code was developed by the Australian online industry, including the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the Communications Alliance, the Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association (CESA), the Digital Industry Group Inc (DIGI), and the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA). It applies to services that store content for social media, related electronic services, or designated Internet services, distinguishing them from first-party hosting services. The Code requires providers to include policies and contractual terms requiring customers to comply with Australian content laws, to take enforcement action for non-compliance, and to establish contact mechanisms for reporting breaches. Providers are also required to respond to communications from the eSafety Commissioner and provide compliance reports on request. The Code outlines the relationship between hosting services and other online safety laws and sets out responsibilities for managing stored content.