Computerworld

Librarians voice opposition to Internet filter

Group concerned filter could give parents a false sense of security
Tags | mandatory internet fitering | librarians | isp-level internet content filtering | Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the latest to join a swathe of groups opposed to the Federal Government’s plans to introduce mandatory ISP-level Internet content filtering.

The policy, announced by Communications Minister Stephen Conroy in December last year, will block URLs that received a Refused Content classification by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

In a statement, the association said Australia needs to take action to ensure that internet users, particularly children, have a safe experience online, but it voiced concern that the policy may give parents a false sense of security and encourage them to reduce their supervision.

“As a large proportion of child sexual abuse content is not found on public websites, but in chat-rooms or peer-to-peer networks, we know the proposed filtering regime will not effectively protect children from this objectionable material,” the statement said. “We are concerned that the scope of content to be filtered is too wide. Filtering all RC material could block content with a strong social or educational value.”

Last week, a conglomerate of Australasian computer science academics voiced opposition to the Internet content filtering policy.

More Computerworld coverage on the internet content filter:

More about: EFA, Federal Government, Google, Internode
References show all

Comments

1

Anon

Tue 16/02/2010 - 20:26

But why should we listen to the villains who authorise literature piracy by providing photocopiers to the public? (see iiNet case)

2

RydWolf

Tue 23/02/2010 - 15:06

What we have here is a poorly planned system that, if implemented, will be implemented by a group that has had little to no practical experience with the subject.

What we truly need is effective education on internet safety for the parents as well as the children.

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