ACMA releases third in series of online safety reports

Earlier this year the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released the third in a series of online safety reports designed to protect the many children and adults that use the Internet.

Earlier this year saw the Minister for Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy receiving the third in a series of reports from the Australian Communications and Media Authority with regards online safety for the many children and adults that use the Internet on a regular basis. With so many households now having access to broadband services more and more people are using the Internet, and whilst the Internet provides huge benefits for users it can also be a risk.

The report from ACMA highlighted a number of different measures and steps that are designed to protect consumers that are using the Internet, and outlines the risks that consumers may face when using online services. Amongst the areas that were highlighted in the report was the rising use of social networking sites by both adults and children, which can increase the risk of experiencing online dangers, and the increased take up of mobile phones with a range of high tech functions.

In its report ACMA stated: “Within the digital economy, online social and financial transactions have become relatively routine. This is being accompanied by a gradual shift in emphasis away from the management of safety, security and privacy risks solely as user protection, to fostering trust and confidence in the online environment.

Building an environment of trust and confidence necessitates a broader focus which forges user skills through measures based on digital media literacy as well as consumer protection arrangements. The connection between these factors is depicted schematically below.”

Source – ACMA.gov.au