IAA Newsletters
Another busy month for IAA’s policy team as we work on responding to key submissions and holding the first Public Policy Advisory Panel meeting of 2023. As always, please feel free to share any concerns or comments regarding public policy areas affecting the Internet community.
Completed Submissions
Proposed Variation to the NBN Co Special Access Undertaking | ACCC
Since withdrawing its proposed SAU in July 2022, NBN Co submitted its revised SAU proposal in November 2022. The ACCC is seeking views on whether it should accept the new SAU. While the latest SAU proposal definitely demonstrates some improvement, IAA still indicated some concerns primarily regarding its pricing model, and service quality and standards.
Digital Platforms: Government Consultation on ACCC’s Regulatory Reform Recommendations – Consultation Paper | Department of Treasury
Following the ACCC’s report on Digital Platforms in late 2022, the Treasury sought views on introducing new regulation based on the ACCC’s recommendations. Our response primarily emphasised the critical importance of distinguishing ISPs from digital platforms as the ‘pipes’ of the Internet to ensure telco providers are not subject to any new regulations.
Record Keeping Rule – NBN Service Performance | ACCC
The ACCC held a consultation for a development of a Record Keeping Rule (RKR) for NBN Co’s service performance. The Consultation Paper also sought views on applying comparable regulation for SBAS providers. In general, IAA supported the development of RKRs for both NBN Co and SBAS providers to ensure transparency and accountability of the provision of NBN and SBAS services. RSPs are often blamed for service faults by consumers, but public reporting made mandatory by RKR can help increase awareness and understanding in the consumer base of underlying network issues affecting their services, and in turn, force NBN Co and SBAS to improve their service provision.
Open Submissions
Copyright Enforcement Review 2022-2023 | Attorney General’s Department | 7 March 2023
The Attorney General is reviewing Australia’s copyright enforcement regime. Following recent court cases involving various ISPs and entertainment companies regarding website blocking, a review into Australia’s copyright regime seems indeed necessary to develop a more robust and efficient framework.
Privacy Act Review Report 2022 | Attorney General’s Department | 31 March 2023
Continuing its review since 2020, the Attorney General has issued its Privacy Act Review Report, seeking feedback on 116 recommendations. This Report follows recent high-profile data-breach incidents that occurred in late 2022, which brought to light major issues regarding Australia’s privacy framework. As data becomes increasingly commodified and important in today’s digital age, IAA is committed to contributing to the development of a privacy regime that is effective but measured.
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Applications are now closed for our IAASysters 2023 program.
This year’s theme, Future Heroes of the Internet, continues our crusade to support and enable women within the Internet industry. We’re offering 10 successful applicants free attendance, including flights and accommodation (if necessary).
The third running of our IAASysters program is set to be our best one yet! Not only is it taking place on the beautiful Gold Coast in line with the AusNOG Conference, but we’re excited to announce that we’re bringing back a Systers favourite, Cheryl Alderman, who’ll be running her high-energy career coaching session during the workshop.
IAASysters was launched to support and encourage ALL women in the Internet space. Whether you’re an inspiring student, intern, re-entering the workforce after a break or have been working in your role for some time, it’s your passion for the Internet and the Internet industry that really counts. Applicants demonstrating the most potential for personal growth and passion for the Internet are rated highest.
Applications are open to ALL types of job roles within the Internet industry (network operations, engineering, IT, marketing, regulation, customer support or studying towards a relevant degree or diploma).
We’re offering 10 successful applicants the opportunity to attend:
• the one-day IAASysters Workshop – Wednesday 6 September
• the IAASysters lunch – Wednesday 6 September
• the two-day AusNOG Conference – Thursday 7-8 September
• the networking and social events that run in conjunction with the conference.
All flights and accommodation costs are covered, so all you have to do is fill out your application. Applications to become a Syster closed on Friday 28 April 2023 at 5:00pm AEST.
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Our hugely popular IAASysters program is back for the third time. IAA launched Systers in 2021 after we noticed consistently low participation rates of certain sectors in our industry. We wanted to do something about it, so we did!
In 2023, the program will offer 10 sponsored attendees the opportunity to attend a one-day workshop that provides expert career advice and builds soft career-advancement skills, followed by attendance at the 2-day AusNOG Conference, being held on the beautiful Gold Coast this year.
If your organisation would like to sponsor this great initiative or you would like to express your interest in applying to become a sponsored attendee, then navigate to the Systers page on our website to find out more.
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IAA has just embarked on a project to add alt text to images across our entire website. With over 700 images in our media library, it’s going to be quite the task!
But a very worthy one. We aim to improve accessibility and the user experience for our readers, including those who are visually impaired. We want everyone to be able to access our content, gleaning its full context and meaning – something often reinforced through images.
For those of you who aren’t aware, alt text – also called alt tags and alt descriptions – is the text that appears in place of an image on a webpage when the image fails to load on a user’s screen. It describes the function and appearance of images, conveying critical information. Not only does this descriptive and specific text help screen-reading tools describe images to readers with visual impairment, but it also allows search engines to better crawl and rank your website.
If you haven’t already done so, please consider adding alt text to your images too. Let’s work together to create a better Internet.
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Data Privacy Day is recognised and celebrated worldwide on January 28. It spotlights the importance of respecting and protecting the privacy of individuals.
How good is your knowledge of data privacy? In the age of data breaches, hacking, phishing and identity theft, it really is vital to respect individual privacy by safeguarding their data. If you, or your team, need a refresher on how to do just that, complete the free eLearning course ‘Privacy in Practice’ from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Privacy in Practice provides practical advice and guidance on good privacy management practices. The content is delivered in a way that’s interesting and engaging. We promise! IAA staff have all recently completed the course, because we know just how important privacy is.
