Online content regulation

ALIA's online content policy

ALIA supports the basic right of library and information services users to unhindered access to information regardless of format.

Australian library and information services provide extensive internet access services. Through these services, Australia's public libraries play a key role in addressing the need for equitable community access to online information and services.

For ALIA and Australia's library and information services, together with the support for freedom of information, comes the need to exercise due care in the provision of information.

ALIA has been active in the public debate on online content regulation since 1996. ALIA believes that freedom can be protected in a democratic society only if its citizens have unrestricted access to information and ideas. ALIA's policy position is set out in its statement on online content regulation

ALIA Online Content and Regulation Advisory Committee

ALIA's Online Content and Regulation Advisory Committee advises the Board of Directors on public policy and legislative developments relating to online content regulation of concern to members.

Filtering software

ALIA does not recommend the use of internet filtering technology in public libraries. Filtering has been shown to vary in its effectiveness, blocking some sites with useful and legal information, while not fully protecting children and others from illegal, objectionable or offensive material.

ALIA internet access in public libraries surveys

The surveys of internet services in public libraries in Australia are made possible by the voluntary participation of a significant number of public libraries across Australia.

The reports provide information on how public library internet services are managed, delivered and used in responding libraries.

• Survey of internet access in public libraries, 2002
  • Executive summary
  • Summary report
  • Detailed report
    
    
• Survey of internet access in public libraries, 2005
  • Summary report
  • Survey results
    
    
• Survey of internet filtering in public libraries, 2007
  This survey focused on the IT environment in public libraries.
• Survey report [ 156 KB ]
• Case studies [ pdf 36KB ]
• Media release
  
  
• Survey of internet access in public libraries, 2008
  • Survey report [ pdf 512KB ]
  • Media release
    
    
• Survey of internet access in public libraries, 2011
  • Survey report [ pdf 2.4MB ]

Cybersmart materials for libraries

ALIA has worked with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to develop resources to support library staff in implementing procedures for safe internet use in the library environment. The resources can be downloaded from the Cybersmart website.

The resources include:

• Cybersmart guide for library staff
• cyber rules poster
• four web-based internet safety information videos staff
• Cybersmart guide for families: safe internet use in the library and at home.

Cyber-safety Consultative Working Group

ALIA is a member of the Government's Cyber-Safety Consultative Working Group.

Media statements

• Launch of Safer Internet Group (4 June 2010)
• Internet Filtering - What People Really Think (10 May 2010)
• Effective action for a safer internet needed, says ALIA (15 February 2010)
• ALIA rejects internet filtering (16 December 2009)
• Public libraries provide vital infrastructure for Australia's digital future (27 February 2009)
• ALIA'S ten questions on censorship (9 January 2008)
• Concerns and obstacles continue for internet filtering in libraries (14 September 2007)
• Public Libraries Australia defends internet strategies in public Libraries (13 August 2007)
• Libraries' commitment to internet safety already evident (10 August 2007)
• Unreliable internet filters are concern for libraries (6 June 2007)
• Libraries committed to equitable online access (21 June 2006)
• Library internet access is for everyone (31 March 2006)
• NetAlert and ALIA join forces to educate the community about internet safety in libraries (25 May 2005)

Submissions and advocacy relating to online content

• ALIA submission to Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety, June 2010
• ALIA submission to Mandatory ISP filtering: Measures to increase accountability and transparency for Refused Classification material, February 2010
• ALIA urges the Tasmanian government to reverse its decision to introduce filtering software, December 2005
• ALIA supports the federal government's policy position emphasising education for safe and informed internet use, September 2005
• A review of the operation of Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, November 2002
• Response to ALIA's letter to the Australian Broadcasting Authority, December 2001
• Letter to the Australian Broadcasting Authority, October 2001
• Submission on the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Online Services) Act 1999, May 1999
• Inquiry into self-regulation in the information and communications industries, April 1998
• Government principles for regulating online content, August 1997
• Australian Broadcasting Authority investigation into the content of online services, February 1996

For all ALIA submissions, visit http://www.alia.org.au/advocacy/submissions/

ALIA guide to online content regulation

ALIA's Online Content and Regulation Advisory Committee has developed a two-part guide for ALIA members.

Part 1
Online content regulation: guidelines and resources for libraries

Contents

• Guidelines for libraries
• Internet use policies
• Children and the internet
• Help about internet content and online experiences
• Online social networking
• Cybersmart resources for libraries
• Cybersafety resources
• Complaints and reports about online content
• Safer Internet Group
• Cybersafety research

Part 2
Online content regulation: regulatory framework in Australia

Contents

• Industry codes of practice
• Australian federal government departments and agencies
• Legislation: Commonwealth
• Legislation: states and territories