The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Hotline investigates complaints about potential illegal online content and other prohibited content. The ACMA Hotline gives priority to complaints about online child sexual abuse material and other potentially illegal content.
The ACMA conducts investigations into online content as part of the Online Content Co-regulatory Scheme in place under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
Since the scheme’s inception,the ACMA has received 100% industry compliance with its actions to remove illegal and prohibited material hosted in Australia.
The ACMA is a long time member of the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) and adheres to their Code of Practice. INHOPE represents internet hotlines all around the world and supports them in their aim to remove illegal content to make the internet a safer place.
Through the INHOPE referral protocols and established relationships with law enforcement, the ACMA actively contributes to the removal of online child sexual abuse material from around the world.
Reporting online child sexual abuse to the ACMA hotline
To report online child abuse material found on the internet please use our online content complaint form.
Reports to the ACMA can be submitted anonymously and in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act 1998, the ACMA will treat personal information as confidential.
Action may also be taken in relation to other types of illegal and offensive online material, known as prohibited content.
The ACMA also regulates other internet content issues, by investigating complaints about internet gambling and receiving reports about spam.
The ACMA discourages active searches for illegal online content such as child abuse material even if such action is intended in good faith for the purpose of submitting a complaint to the ACMA. The ACMA does not encourage or condone such research under any circumstances.
