Librarians voice opposition to Internet filter

Group concerned filter could give parents a false sense of security

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.

3

pozycjonowanie

Fri 28/01/2011 - 11:46

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

http://www.pozycjonowanie5.pl

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the Computerworld comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: mandatory internet fitering, librarians, isp-level internet content filtering, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
Whitepapers
All whitepapers
Sign up now to get free exclusive access to reports, research and invitation only events.
Featured Download
/downloads/product/22/cdex/

CDex

CDex can extract the data directly (digital) from an Audio CD, which is generally called a CD Ripper or a CDDA utility.

Latest Jobs
HP and IDG news, product videos and resources

Computerworld newsletter

Join the most dedicated community for IT managers, leaders and professionals in Australia