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

On 27 December 2025, the Internet Search Engine Services Online Safety Code (Class 1C and Class 2 Material) 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 internet search engine service providers operating in Australia. The Code requires providers to implement age verification mechanisms or default safety settings to reduce children's exposure to online pornography, high-impact violence, and self-harm content, as well as parental controls and tools to filter search results. It also requires providers to implement crisis prevention measures, including prominently displaying helpline information and support resources for users searching for content related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders, in partnership with reputable mental health and crisis organisations. In addition, providers are required to establish processes for reporting illegal content, handling user complaints, and responding to eSafety delisting notices, as well as regularly reviewing and improving their algorithms and machine learning models to enhance safety measures. Search engine providers would also be required to engage with safety organisations, invest in trust and safety teams, and provide compliance reports to eSafety upon request.