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Prohibited online content

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Prohibited online content

Some content that is considered inappropriate may also be prohibited or illegal in Australia. Prohibited content is defined with reference to the National Classification Code categories RC, X18+, R18+ and MA15+.1 While it is not an offence to view or possess prohibited content, the ACMA can take action under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to restrict the availability of such material. The following categories of content are prohibited:

Any online content that is classified RC (refused classification) or X 18+ by the Classification Board (formerly the Office of Film and Literature Classification). This includes depictions of:

  • actual sexual activity between consenting adults
  • child sexual abuse
  • sexual activity accompanied by fetishistic behaviour
  • bestiality
  • ‘fantasies’ or behaviour such as incest
  • excessive violence or sexual violence
  • detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use.
  • material that is classified RC because it 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 violence or adult themes which are high in impact.
  • content which is classified MA 15+, provided by a mobile premium service or another commercial service that is not subject to a restricted access system. This includes depictions of nudity, drug use, violence and adult themes which are strong in impact, along with strong depictions of implied sexual activity and material containing strong coarse language.

In addition, use of a carriage service to access, view or distribute some types of material may be an offence under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation. In particular, under the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995, criminal offences pertain to dealing with online child abuse or child pornography material, as well as dealing with material that directly or indirectly counsels or incites committing or attempting to commit suicide.

Further information on prohibited online content, including how to make a complaint to the ACMA if you or a student comes across such content, is available on the ACMA’s website .

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1. Classifications are set out in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.