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Internet Blackout Print E-mail
26 January 2010

EleNo censorshipctronic Frontiers Australia today announced that over 500 web Australian sites will be “blacked out” on Australia day in protest against the Rudd government’s mandatory Internet filtering plan. Included among them are the Australian Greens, an Internet service provider, media outlets, and hundreds of other Australian businesses and organisations. See the EFA website for more information on this critical issue.

A year ago we posted the following suggesting that members keep an eye on the issue of Internet censorship in Australia:

"Don't be fooled by the current Australian Labor Party's 'Mandatory ISP Filter Policy'.

We recommend that all members make a point to become informed about this issue. A good starting point is to visit the web site of Electronic Frontiers Australia who specialise in promoting on-line civil liberties."

Now it's official

Early this year, the Rudd Government will introduce a new law requiring Internet service providers to filter all Internet connections, including yours.

The stated goal of the filter is to protect children, however the filter will only serve to give parents a false sense of security. It will not block the vast majority of sites unsuitable for children, nor mitigate the other, more serious risks facing children online such as cyber-bullying.

The list of sites to be blocked will be secret, and not open to public review. It comes with no guarantees about how it might be expanded later by this or future governments.
 
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