About NetAlert
NetAlert is the Australian Government’s internet safety initiative which consists of a wide range of activities. Together, these activities provide a comprehensive response to the needs of the Australian community in protecting their families online.
The NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative is managed by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) and includes:
- the National Filter Scheme to provide every Australian household and public library with access to a free internet content filter to help block unwanted content
- a new website and national helpline to provide advice about protecting children online, as well as access to the free filters, and information about how they work.
For more information visit the DBCDE website (www.dbcde.gov.au)
The NetAlert Outreach and Research program is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and includes:
- providing information on current trends in internet safety
- undertaking targeted awareness raising campaigns and activities—including the Cybersafe and Cybersmart kids programs in schools
- the continuing review of filtering technology, including another trial of ISP-level filtering technologies in Tasmania
- reporting annually to the Government on internet filtering technologies to ensure Australian families are offered the best available filtering.
In August 2007, the government announced that over $11.7 million over four years will be provided to ACMA to increase its outreach activities to all Australian states and territories.
ACMA is also responsible for dealing with complaints and investigations in regard to illegal or prohibited content under the online content scheme in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. The government has also announced that ACMA will receive an additional $2.2 million in 2007-08 to respond to increasing complaints about internet content, requests for internet safety advice and continuing management of the online content scheme.
For more information visit the ACMA website (www.acma.gov.au).
NetAlert Limited Annual Report 2006-2007
In early 2007, the functions of NetAlert Limited were passed to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and NetAlert Limited was placed into voluntary liquidation. NetAlert activities and materials are now administered by ACMA.
The NetAlert Limited (in voluntary liquidation) 2006-2007 Annual Report was tabled in Parliament on Thursday 29 May 2008. This report contains information regarding NetAlert Limited's reporting obligations (ASIC Class Order 03/392, under section 341 of the Corporations Act).