Australia: Issued request by eSafety Commissioner to online industry concerning development of industry codes

On 9 February 2023, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner requested that associations representing online industry resubmit draft codes that will apply to eight industry sections including social media services, websites, search engines, app stores, internet service providers, device manufacturers, hosting services, and services such as email, messaging, gaming and dating services. The codes are being developed by the online industry and will operate under Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021. The codes must contain measures to reduce the availability of seriously harmful online content, such as child sexual abuse and pro-terrorist material. If the online industry does not resubmit appropriate codes, the eSafety Commissioner has the power to determine industry standards. Once in place, the standards will be enforced by the Commissioner.