Cybersafety

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) discusses the proposal to regulate internet content.

This submission from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) discusses the role of libraries as important stakeholders in the promotion of a safer experience online for all Australians.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Australian Government’s Online Safety Legislative Reform Discussion Paper and applauds the move to bring together existing measures in a single framework and supports the expansion of the role of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. However, there are specific areas of concern regarding the legislation in relation to library accountability, digital content, reporting requirements, and the relationship with other legislative reform.

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) submission in response to enhancing online safety for children and older Australians. The submission recommends further integration of community focused programs into the Office of the eSafety Commissioner's portfolio.

This submission examines cyber-safety and seniors focusing on the advantages and the barriers to being online and the role that public libraries already play in training for digital literacy and support for senior Australians in the online world. It describes examples of the current delivery of services such as Senior’s Internet Training and offers some suggestions to increase the level of digital literacy training for seniors, for consideration for the future.

ALIA welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to online safety for children but we are concerned that creating a new position may not achieve as much as investing in existing programs and activities.

Over the last 20 years, public libraries have increased their role in the digital space, enhancing people’s online experiences, helping people connect to this new virtual world, and providing a safety net for those who are in danger of being left behind.

Given planning time and support, public libraries can be a major asset to government departments promoting cybersafety initiatives and adopting a stronger digital presence.

ALIA National 2014 Conference, 15-19 September 2014 Melbourne : together we are stronger

This conference presentation exploring the implementation of the eSmart Libraries program is integral to the conference theme of ‘Public Libraries Supporting Communities’, as it will not only showcase innovations in community engagement and education, but it will provide participants with an explanation of how the framework itself is practical, well supported and evidence-based.

In December 2009, Minister Stephen Conroy announced the details of the government's proposals for mandatory filtering by ISPs of online content in the Refused Classification (RC) category. ALIA welcomeS the Minister's invitation for consultations on the proposed policy. There is some concern that the scope of content to be filtered is too wide. Filtering all RC material could block content with a strong social or educational value.