Editing Developments in Internet Filtering Technologies and Other Measures for Promoting Online Safety

== Citations ==

[[Australian Communications and Media Authority]], '''Developments in Internet Filtering Technologies and Other Measures for Promoting Online Safety''' (First annual report to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy) (Feb. 2008) ([http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/_assets/main/lib310554/developments_in_internet_filters_1streport.pdf full-text]).

[[Australian Communications and Media Authority]], '''Developments in Internet Filtering Technologies and Other Measures for Promoting Online Safety''' (Second annual report to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy) (Apr. 2009) ([http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/_assets/main/lib310554/developments_in_internet_filters_2ndreport.pdf full-report]).

== First annual report ==

This report was prepared in response to a ministerial direction received in June 2007 to investigate developments in [[internet filtering]] technologies and other safety initiatives to protect [[consumer]]s, including [[minor]]s, who [[access]] [[content]] on the [[internet]].

The report draws together key trends and makes a series of observations about [[online]] [[risk]]s and methods for [[mitigating]] those [[risk]]s. In particular, the report highlights that as [[user]]s increasingly engage with [[interactive]] [[internet]] technologies, the [[online]] [[risk]]s have shifted from [[content]] [[risk]]s associated with the use of [[static]] [[content]] to include [[communication]] [[risk]]s associated with [[interaction]] with other [[user]]s.

The report discusses how different [[online]] safety measures can play a part in [[mitigating]] one or more [[online]] [[risk]]s. At this time, [[filtering]] technologies are regarded as suited to addressing particular [[static]] [[content]] [[risk]]s. The report also discusses how the use of [[content]] rating and labelling can minimise [[risk]]s associated with inappropriate [[static]] [[content]] and how [[internet]] hotlines provide a mechanism for [[user]]s to report potentially illegal [[content]] to appropriate organisations for investigation. Legal frameworks also make the production and [[online]] publication of this [[content]] unlawful in some jurisdictions.

The report identifies how users can be empowered to manage the online risks they encounter. Parental monitoring of online activity can be effective in minimising both content and communication risks. Education initiatives can raise awareness of issues and provide information and support to develop protective skills and behaviours. These initiatives empower users to engage in online activities in a way that minimises exposure to the risks associated with their use of online services.

When considering [[content]] and [[communication]] [[risk]]s, the report highlights that clusters of measures can be more effective in minimising [[risk]]s than single initiatives. As a general rule, [[filtering]] and [[content]] rating and labelling schemes are aimed at addressing [[content]] [[risk]]s, while [[monitor]]ing of [[user]]s' [[online]] activity and educational programs are mostly aimed at equipping [[user]]s to identify and deal with [[communication]] [[risk]]s.

The report observes that, given the complexity of [[online service]]s, technologies and experiences, notably the newer [[risk]]s associated with [[Web 2.0]] [[application]]s, a constantly developing combination of measures that responds to changing [[risk]]s is most likely to meet the challenges posed by new technologies and [[platform]]s.

== Second annual report ==

The report draws together key trends and makes a number of observations about initiatives for [[mitigating]] [[online]] safety and [[security risk]]s that have been [[deploy]]ed internationally. It observes that the [[implementation]] of measures at multiple points along the [[supply chain]] increases the probability of success compared to efforts that are focused on a single point of intervention.

With the growth of the [[digital economy]], social as well as business [[user]]s are relying on [[internet service]]s and communities to a greater extent. [[Static]] [[content]] remains an area of use and [[risk]], but the report notes the growing popularity of [[social media]] for children, young people and adults. Major [[online]] [[risk]]s arising from the increased use of these services show little sign of discriminating on the basis of age. This development alters safety and [[security risk]]s for all groups in relation to [[security]] of [[personal information]], [[cyberbullying]] and [[online fraud]].

The report identifies what particular [[risk]] a measure aims to [[mitigate]]. A small number of measures have potential application to a larger number of different [[risk]] categories.

The report considers measures that can be used to address:

* [[content]] [[risk]]s such as [[access]] to illegal material or [[content]] that may be considered inappropriate for some [[user]]s
* [[e-security]] [[risk]]s such as [[spam]], [[malware]], [[online fraud]] and the misuse of [[personal information]]
* behavioural risks such as [[cyberbullying]] and [[grooming]].

[[Risk mitigation]] can be employed to:

* reduce the availability of illegal [[content]];
* restrict [[access]] to illegal activity and [[content]] that may be considered inappropriate; and
* build [[resilience]] towards illegal activity and [[content]] that may be considered inappropriate.
[[Category:Publication]]
[[Category:Australia]]
[[Category:Cybersecurity]]
[[Category:Consumer protection]]
[[Category:2008]]
[[Category:2009]]