Summary

8.1 This chapter proposes that access to all media content—online and offline—that is likely to be R 18+ must be restricted to adults. Content providers should restrict access so that minors are protected from high-level content, even if it is not possible to have all of the content formally classified. The ALRC also proposes that access to content classified R 18+, or X 18+ where it is legal to distribute, must also be restricted to adults.

8.2 The chapter then reviews methods of restricting access, including prohibitions on sale and hire to minors, restricted access systems, parental locks on televisions, home filters, internet service provider (ISP) level filters, and broadcasting time-zone restrictions. The ALRC proposes that methods of restricting access to online and offline content should be set out in industry codes, approved and enforced by the Regulator. For content that must be classified and has been classified, content providers should have to display a suitable classification marking.

8.3 The new scheme should also provide for a principled rule that ensures advertisements for classified content—such as advertisements for films, television programs and computer games—are suitable for their audience. In assessing suitability, industry must have regard to the likely audience of the advertisement, the impact of content in the advertisement, and the classification or likely classification of the advertised content. The chapter concludes by considering whether the public display of some media content should be prohibited.