The Australian Government is considering a controversial proposal to (further) censor the Internet for Australian Internet users. It's controversial because it's unworkable, ineffective and likely to cause more problems than it solves. Find out more about the issue as Chris and Gihan discuss both the technology and the politics behind the proposal.MP3 File
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GetUp are currently running a campaign opposed to the Australian government's proposed mandatory Internet censorship legislation.
Do not tell Senator Stephen Conroy about the Chinese government's plans to mandate compulsory Internet censorship at the user level.on
It seems the Chinese government is relaxing the mandatory nature of its Green Dam Internet filter. Meanwhile, the German government is set to impose Internet censorship on its citizens. I like the constructive approach employed by Germans protesting against censorship.
The Australian government's Internet censorship plans appear to extend to blocking on-line and downloadable games that are unsuitable for 15 year-olds. Little wonder then, that Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, has been nominated by the British ISP industry for its annual Internet Villain award.
A well-deserved win for Senator Conroy: Internet Villain of the Year.
The Kiwi government is also implementing Internet censorship. It's not compulsory but opting-out is difficult as most ISPs will use the apply the government's filter.
The majority of the ISPs participating in the Australian governments Internet censorship trial reported little or no slow-down in broadband speeds.
The news that most ISPs running the censorship trial reported almost no performance hit will undoubtedly be spun by Conroy and Rudd in support of their plan. But dig just a little bit deeper and you'll find the reasons for this result, including the fact that with one ISP only 1% of their users even bothered to opt in to the trial. Of course you don't mind waiting at a supermarket checkout if there's only one person in front of you! What happens if the government enforces censorship and the other 99% are also trying to use the same system???
The Malaysian government plans to follow Australia's lead by imposing mandatory Internet censorship. They claim they're only interested in protecting users from pornography and child sex.
The Age reports that Google has refused the Rudd government's request to block Australian access to "refused classification" material on YouTube.
The Australian Library and Information Association, the Inspire Foundation, Google and Yahoo! have released a joint press statement in response to the Rudd government's proposed mandatory Internet censorship legislation. It provides a list of core principles for effective action for a safer Internet, which includes properly funding a national comprehensive cyber-safety education program, significantly increasing and funding the level of oversight by the government and federal police, and targeting a clearly defined and narrow band of child sexual abuse material.
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