Australia is currently holding community consultations on new safety codes designed to protect children from online pornography and harmful content.

If approved by the eSafety Commissioner, these codes will impact various sectors, including social media, messaging platforms, search engines, and internet service providers.

The primary aim of the draft codes is to enhance child protection, empower parents with content control, and ensure privacy and online safety.

The proposed codes will include age assurance measures for digital platforms to better safeguard young users.

These draft codes were developed collaboratively by multiple industry associations, such as the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Alliance and the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association.

Stakeholders, including consumer organizations, civil society groups, and the general public, are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft codes.

Jennifer Duxbury, a director at Digital Industry Group Inc (DIGI), highlighted the importance of these codes for enhancing child safety online.

The draft codes could be enforced by the eSafety Commissioner if they are registered under the Online Safety Act 2021.

Given the internet's crucial role in children's education, leisure, and social interactions, implementing these safety measures is essential.

Once finalized, the codes will significantly bolster protections against online pornography and harmful content for children.

If accepted, the codes will apply to all content across Australia's digital, communications, and video game sectors.

Public consultation on the draft codes is open until November 22, with more information available at onlinesafety.org.au.