The Internet has impacted on the way we communicate and interact, how we buy and sell things, how information and knowledge is distributed, but the law has not kept up. There is no single piece of legislation that we can turn to when we are faced with an Internet related legal issue, and usually, we have to conceptualise an online problem in the offline legal framework and adapt the existing law accordingly. In this context a wide range of laws are relevant including the Trade Practices Act 1974, the Copyright Act 1968, the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the defamation laws.
Nevertheless, the Australian Government has introduced legislation targeting specific issues raised by the Internet, including the regulation of online content (Schedule 5 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992), the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 and prohibitions on online gambling (Interactive Gambling Act 2001).
For further information/advice if you live in Melbourne, contact the Communications Law Centre (http://www.comslaw.org.au), a specialist legal centre, focussing on media, communications and online law and policy.
Phone: 03 9600 3841  Email: melbourne@comslaw.org.au

Your photo is on My Space and it's gross!
Your photo is displayed on My Space and you are not happy about it as the friend who took it has not asked your permission and the photo you feel looks a bit gross. What can you do about it?
Answer:
Firstly, ask the person who took the photo to take it down. Secondly, contact the people/organisation who run the website, like My Space or Facebook, to take it down. Thirdly, contact the host of the organisation.
More on this see youthlaw. (http://www.youthlaw.asn.au) or get the facts at Legal Information and Factsheets for young people

Photos and the internet
It might seem like fun having your picture taken when you're mucking around but just remember - photos are forever.  If you don't want anyone else to see them then don't take them.

Seen something online that doesn't seem right?
Being online is like being in the real world… sometimes stuff happens which feels weird or wrong, seems out of control and that you want to share with someone who can help…  Who to ask/ who to tell;

Global Virtual Taskforce (http://www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com/)
Australian Federal Police  (https://www.afp.gov.au/)
Think you know (http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk)

How to report offensive material online
You can report material you have seen on the Internet which you consider to be prohibited to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA will investigate all valid complaints and takes action in relation to prohibited and potentially prohibited content. For more information, or to make a complaint, visit the ACMA website. (http://www.acma.gov.au/)
ACMA is responsible for monitoring online content, including internet and mobile phone content, and enforcing Australia’s anti-spam law.

Not sure what to do or need more information on something you've seen or heard about or that has happened to you?  Drop SECASA a line either here or at our website - it's free and confidential!  You can also ring us anytime on 1800 806 292 or the Kids helpline 1800 551 800.