Protecting Australian Families Online
27 August 2007 at 12:17 pm
Australian families can download free filters for their home computers and get practical advice about internet safety as part of a new Federal Government initiative.
The NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online program has launched with a dedicated hotline, web address and downloadable filters.
The Government launched the initiative saying the multi-faceted program combines services, education, regulation and policing that ensures that Australian families can get the best from the internet, whilst minimising potential harm.
Every Australian family and library will now have access to a free filter through the $84.8 million National Filter Scheme. Parents, grandparents and carers will be able to download or order a CD-ROM accredited and tested internet content filter.
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan says all filter vendors under the scheme will be required to continually update their products to allow for advancements in technology and actively discourage the circumvention of their products.
However, the Minister says the NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative goes beyond just technology.
Australian Federal Police have doubled the number of online police tracking down internet predators by working with schools and communities through a comprehensive outreach program and more internet safety officers.
She says the government is tackling social networking sites with a new working group including industry, the Australian Federal Police and the internet regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to address the use of social networking websites by predators to contact and groom children on the internet.
Visit www.australia.gov.au/netalert or call 1800 880 176 seven days a week from 8am to 10pm for advice about managing online safety, as well as access to free internet content filters, and information about how they work.
