Australia targets obscene content with mandatory Internet filter

by Stevie Smith - Dec 15 2009, 12:38

Already known for having something of an itchy trigger finger when it comes to refusing certification for certain violently themed videogames, Australia could potentially stoke the fires of contention yet further this week after it announced plans for a national online filtration system.

Although supposedly designed to block Web sites carrying obscene and/or criminal content on their pages, news of the mandatory screening system is likely to find traction with critics regarding freedom of speech, freedom of access, and the possibility of mistaken censorship.

Expected to be rolled out in 2011 on the back of supporting legislation, the national Internet filter will, according to the Australian government, protect all residents, and especially children, by actively blocking unsuitable online destinations that match known offenders on a comprehensive but transparent blacklist.

In outlining the planned filtration system, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said it will fall into place as just one of several new protective measures the country hopes to introduce to further strengthen online protection for families across Australia.

Conroy also outlined that the government’s blacklist would focus on Web sites that pedal examples of child pornography, bestiality and sexual violence, and also those sites found to be encouraging crime and/or the use and spread of illegal drugs. 

However, critics insist such implementation will not be sufficient to stop the flow of obscene content that is available to Web users in Australia – specifically in relation to peer-to-peer content that’s easily shared through P2P networks not 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 Electronic Frontiers Australia chairman Colin Jacobs in an Associated Press report.

“Given the problems in maintaining a secret blacklist and deciding what goes on it, we’re at a loss to explain the minister’s enthusiasm for this proposal,” he added, while also outlining a concern that legitimate Web sites may unwittingly fall foul of censorship via the government blacklist.

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