Australia issues guidance on applying online safety rules to digital services

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has published new guidance to clarify how online safety rules apply to digital services under the Online Safety Act 2021.

The guidance, released on 1 April 2026, is intended to help companies understand which safety codes and standards they must follow, particularly in relation to unlawful content and age-restricted material.

The document sets out a step-by-step process for providers. First, companies must determine whether they offer an electronic service or related equipment. If they do, they must then assess each service separately, especially if they operate multiple platforms or features.

Next, providers must check whether their service is accessible to users in Australia. If it is, the service is likely subject to rules addressing both illegal content and content restricted by age.

A further step involves identifying whether the service falls into specific categories defined by law, such as email, messaging, or online gaming. Services that meet these definitions are automatically subject to certain industry standards, regardless of their primary purpose.

Finally, providers must determine the main function of their service from a set of defined categories. This classification determines which specific safety codes apply. For example, social media platforms with messaging features may need to comply with multiple codes that apply together.

The guidance aims to support compliance by clarifying how different types of digital services are regulated under Australia’s online safety framework.