Regulation of Internet Content
Internet content is regulated under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth).
Prohibited content
Some internet content is prohibited or potentially prohibited. If you come across material that is unsuitable for children, offensive to adults or illegal (for example child pornography) leave the site immediately.
From 1 January 2000, ACMA has been the first point of contact for complaints about Internet content. ACMA will only investigate content which is the subject of a complaint.
Do not download, print, copy, save or in any other way make any record of illegal content found on such sites - there are significant penalties for such actions. Instead, you should report the address of these sites to ACMA's Online hotline.
Industry Codes of Practice
ACMA has registered three industry codes of practice that outline the obligations on internet service providers and content hosts in relation to internet content unsuitable for children, potentially offensive to adults, or illegal content.
Criminal Code
ICHs are not required to actively review, monitor or classify the content hosted on their service.
From 1 March 2005, ICHs have new responsibilties under the Criminal Code Act 1995. ICHs who become aware that their service can be used to access particular child pornography or child abuse material must refer the details of the material to the AFP. See further information at Australian Government Attorney-General's Department.
Other Laws Relevant to the Internet
Copyright
Copying information or material from the internet without permission or claiming it as your own may breach copyright laws. Always acknowledge your sources and ask permission if you intend to make more than one printout of material on a web site.
For more information see Australian Copyright Council.
Hacking
Hacking into private networks is generally illegal. If you come across a site that has a password, do not try to get into the site without permission. Hacking is regulated by Part VIA of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
Privacy
Privacy laws set out safeguards which government agencies and some private companies must observe when collecting, storing, using and disclosing personal information protect your own privacy and other people's.
For more information see Australian Privacy Commissioner.