Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the following categories of online content are prohibited:
- Any online content that is classified RC* or X 18+* by the Classification Board (formerly the Office of Film and Literature Classification). This includes real depictions of actual sexual activity, child pornography, depictions of bestiality, material containing excessive violence or sexual violence, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use, and/or material that advocates the doing of a terrorist act.
- Content which is classified R 18+* and not subject to a restricted access system that prevents access by children. This includes depictions of simulated sexual activity, material containing strong, realistic violence and other material dealing with intense adult themes.
- Content which is classified MA 15+*, provided by a mobile premium service or a service that provides audio or video content upon payment of a fee and that is not subject to a restricted access system. This includes material containing strong depictions of nudity, implied sexual activity, drug use or violence, very frequent or very strong coarse language, and other material that is strong in impact.
* Classifications are based on criteria outlined in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2005.
What types of online content can ACMA investigate?
ACMA can only investigate content provided by:
- Hosting services – content provided by hosting services includes stored internet content, such as material on WWW, postings made to newsgroups and bulletin boards, files accessible from peer-to-peer applications and content delivered to mobile phones.
- Live content services – content provided by live content services includes ‘live’ streamed video or audio content available on the internet or mobile phones.
- Links services – content provided by links services includes links on websites that provide access to other websites that contain prohibited or potentially prohibited content.
Ready to make a complaint?
First, you should review the complaint checklist:
- I am an Australian resident or a company that carries on activities in Australia
- I can provide an internet address and/or sufficient access details to enable ACMA to access the online content
- I can provide reasons as to why I believe the online content is prohibited
If you can answer yes to each item in the checklist, you are ready to make a complaint.
The online complaint forms below are the most efficient way of lodging your complaint. However if you are unable to complete the online form, you may email, post, or fax your complaint to ACMA.
Online
Select the most appropriate online form to report prohibited content.
Email, Post, or Fax
Email: online@acma.gov.au
Post: The Content Assessment Hotline Manager
Australian Communications and Media Authority
GPO Box Q500 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
Fax: (02) 9334 7799