Spectrum Networks is committed to supporting safer use of the internet for all customers, including children and young people. This page explains the tools and options available to help manage access to online content, and how this relates to our obligations under the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) and the Online Safety Codes for Internet Service Providers.
This page should be read alongside our Fair Use Policy and our complaints and escalation procedures.
The purpose of this page is to:
The information on this page applies to all Spectrum Networks internet services (including NBN, fibre, and other broadband services), unless otherwise stated in your specific service agreement.
Technical tools such as filters and parental controls are only one part of staying safe online. We encourage customers, particularly parents and carers, to:
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides extensive guidance, including advice for parents and carers, at esafety.gov.au.
Content filters and parental controls are tools that help limit access to certain types of online content or features. They can be implemented in several places, including:
Filters usually work by:
No filter is perfect. Filters may occasionally let through material you would prefer to block, and may sometimes block legitimate sites. Filters do not replace active supervision and discussion, especially for children and young people.
Under the Online Safety Codes, Australian internet service providers must make information available about filtering products and how they can be obtained, and must promote the Communications Alliance Family Friendly Filter (FFF) program.
The Family Friendly Filter program is a list of content filters that have been independently tested against criteria derived from Australia’s online content and classification framework. These filters are designed to help families manage exposure to inappropriate or harmful content online.
Certified Family Friendly Filters are classified into levels, for example:
For more information on the FFF program, and to view the current list of certified filters, visit the Communications Alliance Family Friendly Filter page (via commsalliance.com.au) or the Australian Telecommunications Alliance Family Friendly Filter information page.
Spectrum Networks does not endorse any specific Family Friendly Filter product. Customers are free to choose any suitable filter, including those on the certified FFF list.
Spectrum Networks meets its Online Safety Code obligations by:
We can provide general information about where filters can be applied (for example, at device, router or firewall level), but we usually cannot provide detailed technical support for third-party filtering software or services. Compatibility between your devices, operating systems, security software and any chosen filter is your responsibility.
In addition to the general information above, Spectrum Networks offers commercial filtering and firewall products for our business, corporate and enterprise customers. These may include:
These services are optional and subject to separate commercial terms, product descriptions and service level agreements. For more information, please contact your Spectrum Networks account manager or our sales team.
When considering filters and parental controls, it is important to understand their limitations:
For these reasons, filters should be used as one tool alongside education, supervision and other safety measures, not as a complete solution.
Spectrum Networks does not routinely monitor customers’ private communications or inspect all content traversing our network. Any actions we take to manage harmful or illegal content will be consistent with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth), the Online Safety Codes and our Privacy Policy.
If you encounter content that you believe may be illegal, seriously harmful or otherwise prohibited while using Spectrum Networks services, you can:
The eSafety Commissioner can investigate certain categories of online harm, including:
You can lodge a complaint with the eSafety Commissioner at esafety.gov.au/report.
Our Fair Use Policy describes how Spectrum Networks may respond to misuse of services, including in relation to harmful or illegal content.