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Protecting Australian Families Online

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Q1. What risks could children face online?

The internet is a place for children to play, explore and research. However, through the internet, children can also be:

  • exposed to inappropriate, offensive or illegal websites and content
  • vulnerable in chat rooms, as they could develop inappropriate online relationships with other users
  • at risk by giving away personal information online
  • harassed or bullied via email, chat rooms and instant messaging
  • vulnerable to addiction to online games/gambling.

NetAlert provides practical internet safety advice about protecting children online.

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 Q2. How can I help protect my family?

Using an internet content filter can help protect your family, but it is important to remember that an internet content filter works most effectively when used with a range of strategies to stay safe online.

When using an internet content filter on your computer, you can:

  • stay in touch with any websites your children create and visit
  • consider restricting or monitoring access to instant messenger programs and social networking websites
  • empower your children to talk about abuse: encourage them to come to you with their concerns.

It is also recommended that you keep your computer in a family area.

To help keep your family safe online you should also:

  • Supervise your children on the internet. Make rules about what is appropriate internet use for your family and stick to them.
  • Educate yourself and your children about potential dangers online and how to make the right choices about online behaviour.
  • Equip your family with online protection by downloading a free internet content filter.

NetAlert provides practical information and advice on how to keep children and your family safe online.

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 Q3. What can I do if I think a website contains prohibited material?

You can report your concerns to the Australian Government's Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) (www.acma.gov.au/hotline). ACMA is responsible for investigating complaints about internet content.

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 Q4. What is prohibited internet content?

Prohibited content is determined according to classification guidelines under the National Classification Scheme. Most people will be familiar with the symbols used for classification of films, DVDs, and television programs, which provide viewers with information about the type of content being shown.

The Australian Government has implemented an online content regulatory scheme which allows the Australian Communications and Media Authority to require websites hosted in Australia to ‘take down’ prohibited material.

Prohibited content is internet content within the classifications RC (‘refused classification') or X 18+.

Certain kinds of extreme content are refused classification, which means it cannot legally be sold or made available. The RC classification includes content that contains: child pornography; bestiality; excessive violence or sexual violence; detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use.

X 18+ includes content that contains actual sexual activity.

A third category of strong content is also regulated. Content classified R 18+ includes content that depicts high level violence, implied or simulated sexual activity or other high impact material. Such content can only be made available on websites if it is restricted to adults.

Recently, new legislation has also been developed by the Australian Government which will extend the current online regulatory scheme to provide new safeguards to protect consumers from inappropriate or harmful material on convergent devices such as 3G mobile phones and services available via subscription internet portals. It is expected this will come into effect in early 2008.

The new legislation will extend the current protections so that MA15+ material, if made available for a fee, must be provided with age restrictions designed to limit children’s exposure to such material.

You can report online material you think should be prohibited to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) (www.acma.gov.au/hotline).

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 Q5. What can I do if I think a child is at risk online?

If you are concerned about online behaviour that might put a child at risk you can report it to the Australian Federal Police Online Child Sex Exploitation Team (OCSET)
(www.afp.gov.au/national/e-crime/online_child_sex_exploitation.html)

OCSET works with state and territory police and international law enforcement agencies to investigate online child sex exploitation which occurs through any telecommunications service.

Offences include accessing, sending or uploading child pornography or child abuse material and online engagement (grooming or procuring) of children less than 16 years of age for sexual purposes.

Investigations may also focus on internet sites, in or outside of Australia, that host child pornography and child abuse material.

If you know about a child who is in immediate danger or risk, call 000 or contact your local police.

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 Q6. What is an internet content filter?

An internet content filter is a piece of software that helps manage access to online content on your home computer. Installing an internet content filter reduces the risk of your family coming into contact with something upsetting or dangerous online but – like a seat belt in a car – it does not offer total protection.

Internet content filters offer a range of different functions to block, screen or monitor unwanted material. Unfortunately, there is no single action or internet content filter that does everything and it is not advisable to have two or more internet content filters installed on your computer at the same time. At present, internet content filter technology is still being developed for use with mobile phones.

Internet content filters can be used to help filter offensive web pages. They can help to manage content such as that from chat rooms. Some internet content filters can set time limits for online use as well as help you monitor the online activities of your children. Internet content filters can be individually set for different members of your family.

It is important to note that while internet content filters are a valuable tool to help keep you and your family safe online, they only do part of the job. Internet content filters should be used in conjunction with other measures.

Internet content filters will not block all offensive content or provide internet security for your computer, check for computer viruses or provide a firewall that keeps out unwanted viruses or programs.

To stay safe online it is also recommended that you have a security product installed on your computer to protect you and your family from spyware attacks, viruses, and phishing etc. For more information about these as well as online security for your family visit StaySmartOnline (www.staysmartonline.gov.au).

NetAlert provides practical advice about protecting children online.

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 Q7. Why should I have an internet content filter?

The internet is a valuable source of education and entertainment, but it also contains content that families may find offensive and/or inappropriate, especially for children. Internet content filters can help parents manage their children's online environment to provide them with a safe and enjoyable online experience.

The internet content filters available through the Australian Government's NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative can be adjusted to suit the internet activities and values of each family member in your household.

Internet content filters are a valuable tool in managing your child's access to online material and activities that you believe are harmful. However, it is important to note that any filter works most effectively in association with a range of strategies to stay safe online.

If you are interested in using an internet content filter, it is important that you compare the internet content filters to see what is available and choose one that meets your family’s needs.

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 Q8. How do internet content filters work?

Internet content filters offer a range of different functions to block, screen or monitor unwanted material. Unfortunately, there is no single action or internet content filter that does everything and it’s not advisable to have two or more internet content filters installed on your computer at the same time. At present, internet content filter technology is still being developed for use with mobile phones.

Blocking

Some internet content filters use a variety of techniques to detect unwelcome content. One of the most common are ‘black’ or ‘exclusion’ lists to block access to content. These ‘black’ or ‘exclusion’ lists contain websites or website pages that have been deemed to carry inappropriate content such as pornographic or violent images. If the user types in an internet address or click on a link to content which is on a black list, they will be blocked from viewing that content.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regularly update a list of prohibited content. These websites, or web pages, are blocked by the free internet content filters being provided by the Australian Government’s NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative.

Some internet content filters have categories which list certain types of websites. You can choose which of these categories you would prefer your child not to access. Some internet content filters are also able to block chat, instant messaging and email communications.

Screening

Some internet content filters also use more advanced techniques including key word and phrase searches to help screen out offensive content that has not been included on a ‘black’ or ‘exclusion’ list. You can set filters to help screen other content based on your family’s values and concerns.

Monitoring

Some internet content filters allow the administrator (such as a parent) to monitor activities such as the use of computer programs, websites visited, chat room activity and social network sites accessed.

The internet content filters can be adjusted to suit the internet activities and values of each family member in your household.

If you are interested in using an internet content filter, it is important that you compare the internet content filters to see what is available and choose one that meets your family’s needs.

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 Q9. Are internet content filters difficult to use?

Internet content filters are easy to use and you don't need any special technical expertise. Some internet content filter products have more filtering options than others, and may require more time for you to set up, or to become familiar with.

Free ongoing technical support, including telephone support from your chosen internet content filter supplier is available. If you need help, please call us on 1800 880 176. (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

We welcome your enquiries and feedback.

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 Q10. What free internet content filters are available?

The Australian Government has assessed these internet content filters and considers them to be suitable for the National Filter Scheme. The Australian Government does not endorse any particular filter so please remember to read all information, instructions and advice on filters carefully.

Adjusting the settings, the type of content 'allowed' or 'not allowed' for access or viewing, and how the content is blocked, will vary among internet content filters. You should consider the filter software you think will best suit your family’s values and internet usage.

A brief description of the free filters will help you compare the internet content filters.

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 Q11. Who can get a free internet content filter?

Any person who is residing in Australia may obtain a free internet content filter for themselves or their family as part of the Australian Government’s NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative. Small businesses or other organisations in Australia can also access a free internet content filter.

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 Q12. How do I get a free internet content filter?

Choose the internet content filter you think will suit your family values and internet usage by comparing the internet content filters available.

You can download or order a free internet content filter for your computer from this website.

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 Q13. How do I choose a free internet content filter?

Choose the filter software you think will best suit your family's internet activities and values. It is important that you compare the internet content filters to see what is available and choose one that meets your family’s needs.

All of the internet content filters under the NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online initiative will filter illegal websites contained on the Australian Communications and Media Authorities (ACMA) list of prohibited sites.

All of these products will also filter a large percentage of offensive internet content using tools such as keyword searches or categorisation of websites. Other functions vary between filters, but include things such as time monitoring and the blocking of access to chat rooms.

Free ongoing technical support, including telephone support from your chosen filter supplier, is available. If you need help, please call us on 1800 880 176. (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

If you need more information about the risks children face online, NetAlert provides practical advice about protecting children online.

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 Q14. Can I get more than one internet content filter?

You can get more than one internet content filter for your family if you need to, however you should have only one internet content filter on your computer at any time. The use of duplicate internet content filters may affect the operation of your computer and the performance of the internet content filter.

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 Q15. How much time do I have to get a free internet content filter?

You will be able to download or request a free internet content filter until midnight on 31 December 2008.
Free telephone assistance and support for your chosen internet content filter will be available until midnight on 30 June 2010.

If you need help, please call us on 1800 880 176. (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

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 Q16. What if I have a problem with my free internet content filter?

You will be provided with instructions for the internet content filter you choose from this website. These instructions will be provided by the internet content filter supplier.

Free ongoing technical support, including telephone support from your chosen filter supplier, is available. If you need help, please call us on 1800 880 176. (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

We welcome your enquiries and feedback.

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 Q17. What if I already have an internet content filter?

If you already have an online content filter for your computer, you can still get a new online content filter through the National Filter Scheme. It is important that you only use one online content filter at a time, so please ensure that you have uninstalled your previous filter before adding the new one. The use of duplicate internet content filters may affect the operation of your computer and the performance of the internet content filter.

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 Q18. Will the internet content filters work on my computer?

Internet content filters are currently available for Windows and Macintosh. The internet content filter will work on broadband and dial up connections.

A brief description of the free filters will help you compare the internet content filters.

Unfortunately the National Filter Scheme does not currently offer an internet content filter for Linux or other similar operating systems.

Many distributions of GNU/Linux or other similar operating systems come pre-installed with support for internet content filtering. To activate this feature, please refer to the help file for your particular distribution.

Alternatively, there are a range of internet content filters specifically for the GNU/Linux environment. Some of these, including DansGuardian (www.dansguardian.org) and SquidGuard (www.squidguard.org), are open source and freely available for personal use.

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 Q19. Will an internet content filter slow my access to the internet?

You shouldn’t notice any difference. Internet content filters are designed to have minimal impact on the speed of the internet.

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 Q20. How do I update my internet content filter?

Updates for your chosen internet content filter are provided by the filter supplier. These updates are automatically added each time you connect to the internet.

If you have requested your original filter via CD-ROM you also have the option of requesting your update in this format from your filter supplier or by calling us on 1800 880 176. (8am -10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

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 Q21. What about internet content on mobile phones?

The provision of mobile premium services is currently subject to the Mobile Premium Services Industry (MPSI) scheme which was developed by the mobile phone companies and providers of mobile content, and includes protections for adults and children in relation to mobile premium content. These include the prohibition of content classified as RC (Refused Classification) and X18+, and age verification requirements for access to restricted content (R18+ and MA15+).

The MPSI was introduced as an interim measure pending the introduction by the Australian Government of new legislation which is now expected to come into effect in early 2008. The restrictions on content will continue to apply under the new legislation.

At present, internet content filter technology is still being developed for use with mobile phones.

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 Q22. What is an ISP filtered service?

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) filtered service is a service provided by an ISP where the family’s internet access is filtered before it reaches the home. Such a service does not require a family to install any filtering software on their own computer. ISP-level filtering will block at a minimum access to all websites on the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Blacklist which is a list of banned internet sites. The Blacklist currently targets sites providing illegal pornographic content (for example child pornography).

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 Q23. When will ISP filtered services be available?

Under the National Filter Scheme, all ISPs will be required to provide a filtered internet service for families who prefer this protection option. A new system will be implemented following a joint government and industry feasibility study, and input from a trial of ISP filtering currently taking place in Tasmania.

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 Q24. How can I prevent my internet content filter from being bypassed?

To reduce the risk of your internet content filter being bypassed it is important that children do not have administrator access to the computer on which the content filter is installed.  On Windows and Mac operating systems, users with computer administrator privileges are able to tamper with system processes that may interfere with the proper functioning of the content filter.

Parents should make sure the administrator account on their computer is password protected and that children log in using a limited (Windows) or standard (Mac OS) account.  From an internet security perspective, it is good practice to operate computers outside of administrator mode while browsing the internet, since this helps prevent malicious programs such as viruses or spyware from interfering with crucial system files and processes on your computer.

The process for setting up different user accounts varies for every operating system. For Windows XP and Vista users please refer to the Microsoft Be the boss - Child safety online video, available on the Microsoft Security website (www.microsoft.com/australia/security). For other users, please refer to your operating system’s help feature.

Further information for Microsoft Windows can be found at Microsoft Support (support.microsoft.com) and for Mac Operating Systems at Apple Support (www.apple.com/support).

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 Q25. How will I know if my internet content filter has been bypassed?

Much of the information available on the internet which describes how to bypass or disable internet content filters also provides advice about how to give the impression that the content filter is still functioning.  This may be done, for instance, by ensuring that the program icon (such as a green tick indicating that the internet content filter is functioning) is displayed in the task-bar at the bottom of the page. 

While a quick glance at the screen may not tell you that the internet content filter has been disabled there should be some telltale signs if the internet content filter is not functioning as intended.

Much of the information about bypassing or disabling internet content filters will permanently disable the filter software. This in itself should alert you to the fact that things are not as they should be. 

You should attempt to familiarise yourself with your chosen filter when you first install it. This way you will be more likely to notice if something is different. For example, a bypassed filter may not automatically load when your chosen browser software is initialised.  

Additionally, if the internet content filter is not blocking inappropriate content it may be an indication that your settings have been changed or the internet content filter has been compromised.  

Each of the content filter providers is able to provide you with information regarding the correct set-up of your filter product and instructions for checking the log of visited websites. If your child has been surfing the internet but these logs are blank or have been deleted, this may be another indication that the filter has been compromised.

For free, ongoing technical support, including telephone support from your chosen filter supplier, please call us on 1800 880 176. (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

We welcome your enquiries and feedback.

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 Q26. Why can I no longer obtain Optenet Web Filter PC 9.6?

Digital Republic , supplier of the Optenet internet content filter, is no long participating in the Australian Government's National Filter Scheme. 

An alternative free internet content filter provided under the National Filter Scheme can be chosen from this website or by calling us on 1800 880 176. (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

Choosing an alternative NetAlert internet content filter will also entitle you to free, ongoing technical support for that filter until 30 June 2010.

If you choose an alternative filter, it is recommended that you uninstall the Optenet filter.  You will need your password to uninstall the filter.

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 Q27. How can I get help or technical support for Optenet Web Filter PC 9.6?

Optenet will continue to provide free help and technical support to ongoing users of the Optenet internet content filter until at least 31 December 2008.

This support is a voluntary undertaking by Optenet, and is entirely at Optenet's discretion.

If you obtained the Optenet filter under the National Filter Scheme, are still using the filter and would like technical assistance with this product, please call us on 1800 880 176 for advice on how you can contact Optenet directly (8am - 10pm in your local time zone, for callers in Australia only. Free call for landline calls, usual charges apply to mobiles and payphones.)

Please note that the future use and any required support provided for the Optenet internet content filter is not being provided under the National Filter Scheme.

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