The guidance is designed to help online service providers comply with the Australian requirements for each code and standard. It provides information on key matters including code compliance reporting, communicating with eSafety, and how the Online Safety Codes and Standards interact with eSafety’s other regulatory schemes. 

The guidance is published ahead of the commencement of new industry codes requiring online services to protect children from exposure to age-inappropriate content like pornography, high-impact violence and material which promotes self-harm, suicide and disordered eating. 

The guidance covers both the new codes coming into effect which apply to Age-Restricted Material, and the pre-existing Unlawful Material Codes and Standards. The Age-Restricted Material Codes will complement the upcoming social media minimum age obligations set to commence on 10 December.

The industry-drafted Age-Restricted Material Codes apply to online service providers like app stores, social media services, equipment providers, online pornography services and generative AI services.