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Australia to introduce Internet filtering
Source: Agencies |
December 16, 2009, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AUSTRALIA plans to introduce an Internet filtering system to block obscene and crime-linked Websites despite concerns it will curtail freedoms and won't completely work.
The government said yesterday it will introduce legislation next year for the filter system to help protect Australians, especially children, from harmful material. Critics say it will not prevent determined users from sharing such content, and could lead to unwarranted censorship by overzealous officials.
Communication Minister Stephen Conroy said the government would be transparent in compiling its blacklist of Websites, but did not give details.
Conroy said the Australian filter was among a number of new measures aimed at strengthening online protection for families. It aims to block material such as child pornography, bestiality, rape and other sexual violence, along with detailed instructions about committing crimes or using illicit drugs.
Such material is already banned from publication on Australian sites, but the government has no control over it being accessed on servers overseas.
"The government has always maintained there is no silver bullet solution to cyber-safety," Conroy said. But, "it is important that all Australians, particularly young children, are protected."
Critics say illegal material such as child pornography is often traded on peer-to-peer networks or chats, which would not be covered by the filter.
"The government knows this plan will not help Australian kids, nor will it aid in the policing of prohibited material," said Colin Jacobs, vice chairman of Electronic Frontiers Australia, a nonprofit group that seeks to promote online freedoms.
The government said yesterday it will introduce legislation next year for the filter system to help protect Australians, especially children, from harmful material. Critics say it will not prevent determined users from sharing such content, and could lead to unwarranted censorship by overzealous officials.
Communication Minister Stephen Conroy said the government would be transparent in compiling its blacklist of Websites, but did not give details.
Conroy said the Australian filter was among a number of new measures aimed at strengthening online protection for families. It aims to block material such as child pornography, bestiality, rape and other sexual violence, along with detailed instructions about committing crimes or using illicit drugs.
Such material is already banned from publication on Australian sites, but the government has no control over it being accessed on servers overseas.
"The government has always maintained there is no silver bullet solution to cyber-safety," Conroy said. But, "it is important that all Australians, particularly young children, are protected."
Critics say illegal material such as child pornography is often traded on peer-to-peer networks or chats, which would not be covered by the filter.
"The government knows this plan will not help Australian kids, nor will it aid in the policing of prohibited material," said Colin Jacobs, vice chairman of Electronic Frontiers Australia, a nonprofit group that seeks to promote online freedoms.
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