Family Friendly Filters

What are filters?

In general terms, filters are computer programs designed to limit access to certain types of content on the internet.

Filters operate in different ways, and different filters will be better suited to different operating environments and age groups. More information about filters and staying safe online can be obtained from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

It is important to note that the use of filters is not mandatory in Australia, either under law or Industry Codes. Users can choose whether or not to install filters, and if and when to activate them. Similarly, ISPs are not required to filter or monitor internet traffic. However, Communications Alliance recognises that some families find filters a useful addition to direct parental supervision, and for that reason supports their availability.

What is the “Family Friendly Filter” program?

There are a lot of filters available on the internet which may work for your family.

To specifically qualify for Family Friendly Filter status and be listed on this page, a filter must undergo rigorous independent testing to ensure that it meets criteria that are intended to correspond to the national Classification Guidelines for films and computer games.

These include effectiveness, ease of use, configurability, availability of support and agreement by the filter company providing the filter to update the filter as required by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, for example where the Office determines following a complaint that a specified site is prohibited under Australian law.

Classes of accredited Family Friendly Filters

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has 4 levels of classification for certified filters:

  • These filters block websites on the eSafety Commissioner’s Prohibited URL Filter (PUF) list, and are recommended for 18+ years of age
  • Class 1: Recommended for children over 15 years of age
  • Class 2: Recommended for children between 10 and 15 years of age
  • Class 3: Recommended for children under 10 years of age

Accredited Filters

All filter products are eligible to apply for Family Friendly Filter status. Upon application filters are independently tested by Enex TestLab.

The below filters have been tested and certified to be a Family Friendly Filter.

Communications Alliance and Enex TestLab are seeking additional filter providers for certification. If you are interested, please contact Enex TestLab at (03) 9436 7454 or enquiries@testlab.com.au.

Name

Safe Surfer

Class of accreditationRecommended for children between 10 and 15 years of age (accreditation class 2)
Version2.6.0
ManufacturerSafe Surfer Ltd
Date Certified21/07/2022
 
Name

Norton 360 w/Family

Class of accreditationRecommended for children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
Version3.8.6.41
ManufacturerNortonLifeLock Inc.
Date Certified25/03/2022
 
Name

Norton Family

Class of accreditationRecommended for children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
Version3.8.6.41
ManufacturerNortonLifeLock Inc.
Date Certified02/03/2022
 
Name

Maximum Security

Class of accreditationRecommended for children over 15 years of age (accreditation class 1)
Version17.7
ManufacturerTrend Micro Australia Pty Ltd
Date Certified09/02/2022
 

NameMulti-Access
Class of accreditationRecommended for children children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
Version1.4
ManufacturerMcAfee Pty Ltd
Date Certified4/05/2023

NameSafe Family
Class of accreditationRecommended for children children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
Version2.9.3.144
ManufacturerMcAfee Pty Ltd
Date Certified29/09/2022

Name

Secure Home Platform

Class of accreditationRecommended for children between 10 and 15 years of age (accreditation class 2)
Version
3.24
ManufacturerMcAfee Pty Ltd
Date Certified29/09/2022
 
Name

Exetel

Exetel offers its filter as part of its suite of internet services.

Class of accreditationRecommended for children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
ManufacturerExetel
Date CertifiedJanuary 2021
 
Name

Canopy

Class of accreditationRecommended for children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
Version2.7.2
ManufacturerCanopy (by Netspark Inc)
Date CertifiedDecember 2021
 
Name

Home Network Security

Class of accreditationRecommended for children over 15 years of age (accreditation class 1)
Version6.92
ManufacturerTrend Micro Australia Pty Ltd
Date Certified24/12/2021
 

NameFamily Zone
Class of accreditationRecommended for children under 10 years of age (accreditation class 3)
ManufacturerFamily Zone
Date CertifiedJanuary 2020

Staying safe online

Filters are only one tool that can be used to encourage safe internet access. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides a range of information, tools and educational material for parents and schools. The Office also offers help with and accepts complaints regarding cyber bullying and offensive and illegal content.

Additionally, your internet provider may have tools or information available to you.  Also note that Internet Service Providers are currently working to comply with the Internet Carriage Services Online Safety Code which will become enforceable by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner on 16 December 2023. 

Some examples are below:

Internet Service Provider
Support
Amaysim
Amaysim customers can access resources about parental controls, cyberbullying, adult cyber bullying and how to report it, access to Kids Helpline, information on preventing access to illegal and restricted content and device safety via the amaysim online safety website: https://www.amaysim.com.au/help/online-safety

 Aussie Broadband Aussie Broadband provides information about content filtering, how to educate children aboutonline safety, and how to report harmful online content.
https://www.aussiebroadband.com.au/help-centre/internet/online-safety-content-filtering/
Foxtel

https://help.foxtel.com.au/s/article/a7VMp00000029dVMAQ/online-safety-with-foxtel-broadband

iiNet

iiNet customers can find information about the support we offer customers stay safe online on our website: 
https://www.iinet.net.au/about/community/learn/cyber-safety/.
https://help.iinet.net.au/parental-safety-advice 

Internode

Internode customers can find information about the support we offer customers stay safe online on our website:
https://www.internode.on.net/nodesupport/parental-safety-advice 

Optus

Information for Optus customers on cybersafety and cybersecurity is available at: http://www.optus.com.au/internetsecurity.

In addition, Optus runs its Digital Thumbprint cybersafety program in schools. The Digital Thumbprint program is certified by the eSafety Commissioner’s office. Details can be found at: www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/

 SuperloopSuperloop provides information on online safety, including information on how to protect kids and teens from inappropriate and harmful online content. This includes advice, and information on services and tools, to protect from harmful online content.: https://www.superloop.com/esafety
Telstra

Various online safety resources are available on Telstra’s website, including information on how to report harmful online content: www.telstra.com.au/cyber-security-and-safety/online-safety-wellbeing.

Through Telstra Foundation, Telstra also partners with PROJECT ROCKIT and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to help young people, parents and carers foster safer and more positive online experiences.
Initiatives that have been launched through these partnerships include DigiTalk and eSmart libraries. Details can be found at:

Various Other cyber security and safety resources are also available on Telstra's website, including information on personal mobile safety: https://www.telstra.com.au/cyber-security-and-safety.
TPG
TPG Internet customers can find information about the support we offer customers stay safe online on our website:
https://www.tpg.com.au/about/online_safety.php
https://support.tpg.com.au/parental-safety-advice
VodafoneVodafone customers can find information about the support we offer customers stay safe online on our website:
https://www.vodafone.com.au/about/sustainability/cyber-safety
https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/device/digital-parenting
https://www.vodafone.com.au/about/sustainability/cyber-bullying
Westnet

Westnet customers can find information about the support we offer customers stay safe online on our website:
https://help.westnet.com.au/parental-safety-advice