eSafety has received from industry 7 draft Codes intended to protect children from online pornography and other high-impact material, including themes of suicide and serious illness, such as self-harm and disordered eating, across a wide range of online services.
Groups representing sections of the online industry submitted the drafts on Friday, 28 February 2025, in line with a time extension eSafety granted in December 2024.
eSafety asked industry to begin developing the enforceable Codes in July 2024 as the second phase in its industry Codes and Standards program.
The first phase focussed on addressing the worst-of-the-worst content, including child sexual abuse and pro-terror material. All 8 phase 1 Codes and Standards are now in force.
Phase 2 Codes are focused on protecting children from accessing or encountering online pornography and other age-inappropriate content, and on empowering all end-users to manage their online experience.
The draft phase 2 Codes have not been developed or registered by eSafety. eSafety’s role now is to review the Codes and determine whether they provide appropriate community safeguards for the Australian community.
If so, the eSafety Commissioner can register the codes, and they become mandatory and enforceable. If not, the eSafety Commissioner can determine Standards instead.
eSafety has granted a short extension to the industry groups representing app distribution service providers.
This draft code is now due with the Commissioner for assessment by 4pm 28 March 2025. The extension was granted to provide industry with time to consider opportunities to align safety measures in the code with recent international regulatory developments.
Submission of the draft Phase 2 Codes for eSafety’s consideration marks another important milestone in improving online safety for all Australians.
Further information is available in eSafety’s phase 2 Codes position paper and the industry’s codes website.