ISP content filtering still on the agenda
2008-May-13, 10:45 pm
UPDATE | Electronic Frontiers Australia (EFA) has launched a new website opposing the plan, called NoCleanFeed.com. It contains a large amount of information and analysis on the government's proposal.
While the federal budget contains expected funds for promised broadband infrastructure projects, it reminds us of the Federal Government's plan to implement ISP-level content filtering.
"Central to the Government's plan to make the internet a safer place for children is the introduction of Internet Service Provider (ISP) level filtering of material such as child pornography", said a media release from Senator Conroy's office today.
"The ISP filtering policy is being developed through an informed and considered approach, including a laboratory trial, extensive industry consultation, and close examination of overseas models to assess their suitability for Australia."
The original announcement garnered significant criticism from industry participants, with most believing it would be ineffective at blocking the intended content, and that it would likely increase costs and slow broadband speeds.
But the wording of today's announcement suggests that the end result may not be as dire as first thought. "ISPs in a number of European and other countries are already filtering child abuse material", said Conroy. Indeed, the system in the UK attempts to filter out child pornography, but it does this with a simple IP blacklist, reported to contain just 1000 sites.
The government continues to confuse the issue however, often stating that it will protect Australian children by blocking access to child pornography, but doesn't clearly state it will attempt to block all pornography.
"A real world 'live' pilot involving ISPs and their customers will follow an Australian Communications and Media Authority laboratory trial due to be completed in June 2008", said the announcement.
In other budget news, the federal government will extend the Broadband Guarantee funding until 2012, at a cost of $270.7 million.
"The Australian Broadband Guarantee has played an important role in ensuring high-quality, equitable broadband access for the more remote areas of Australia", said Conroy.
Links:
- Budget provides policing for internet safety (DBCDE, 13 May 2008)
- Australian Broadband Guarantee funding until 2012 (DBCDE, 13 May 2008)
- Broadband: an election issue (Whirlpool, 23 Nov 2007)
- No pr0n under Labor (Whirlpool, 21 Mar 2006)