The Law Handbook 2024

750 Section 7: Consumers, contracts, the internet and copyright filters block access to sites based on key offensive words or on some photographic content that might be unsuitable for children. The different types of filter can be used in combination, depending on what is required. Filter programs can operate on a home computer or via an ISP. Your ISP is obliged to provide information about filtering software and the filters they offer. ISPs must provide a filter approved in the Internet Industry Association Codes of Practice. The NetAlert, Communications Association and Internet Content Rating Association sites give more background information (see ‘More information’, below). Safe zones are networks suitable for young children and are separated from the rest of the internet. They are available via subscription or through some ISPs. Specific children’s zones may also be hosted on commercial sites or supported by advertising. It is important to remember that no tool is completely infallible. Consumer advice websites can help parents and guardians to choose the best strategy (see ‘More information’, below). Chat rooms Chat rooms are places where real-time written conversations take place. They are usually public, although private chat rooms are offered on some sites. Most people, including children, use pseudonyms in chat rooms so that a person’s real identity is not apparent. This means that sometimes a child may believe they are chatting to another 12-year-old, when it may in fact be a much older person. There have been instances where adults have attempted to exploit children by contacting them in chat rooms. The current regulatory approach emphasises education and guided information for children. It is important that children know what personal details they can give out when they are online, for their safety and for the security of the household as a whole. For useful websites, see ‘More information’, below. Crowd funding Crowd funding is an appeal for money via a web- based crowd-funding platform. There is no law that prohibits crowd funding; however, it is worth considering what prizes or inducements are being offered in exchange for the donations being sought. For instance, it may be an infringement of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) to offer a revenue share in a particular project. ASIC have guidelines on crowd funding (available at www. asic.gov.au) . More information • Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) (www.acma.gov.au) : ACMA is the regulator for the telecommunications industry and has an information portal that provides consumer information on internet services. • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (www.accc.gov.au) : ACCC provides comprehensive information on where to go to make a complaint or to get help with a problem at www.accc.gov.au/consumers/ con s ume r- p r o t e c t i on/whe r e - t o - g o - f o r- consumer-help . • Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM ) (www.childrenandmedia.org. au) : A not-for-profit organisation that supports families, industry and decision makers to build and maintain a media environment that fosters children’s health, safety and wellbeing. • Australian eSafety Commissioner (www.esafety.gov.au) : An independent statutory body that administers the Online Content Scheme and can investigate serious cyber-bullying material aimed at a child. • Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (www.infrastructure.gov.au) : This site provides information on support and resources for consumers of internet, broadband, telephone and related services, especially home, small business and rural users. • Media and Communications Law Research Network (https://law.unimelb.edu.au/centres/ mclrn) . • CHOICE (www.choice.com.au) : CHOICE is an independent national consumer organisation; it is the leading consumer advocacy group in Australia. • Classification website (www.classification. gov.au) : A government website that provides information on the National Classification Scheme. It includes information about the Classification Board, Classification Review Board and the Attorney-General’s Department.