Post by OnLineGenie on Jan 22, 2009 21:31:52 GMT
"The Australian government is set to impose Chinese-style Internet
censorship by enforcing a universal national filter that will block
websites deemed “controversial” as part of a wider agenda to regulate
the Internet, according to free speech advocates.
A provision whereby Internet users could opt out of the filter by
contacting their ISP has been stripped from the legislation, meaning
the filter will be universal and mandatory. The System Administrators
Guild of Australia and Electronic Frontiers Australia have attacked
the proposal, saying it will restrict web access, raise prices and
slow Internet traffic speeds. The plan was originally created as a way
to combat child pornography and adult content, but could be extended
to include almost any *“controversial” websites.
The Australian government will no doubt insist that its filter is in
the best interests and is only designed to block child pornography,
snuff films and other horrors, yet the system is completely pointless
because it will not affect file-sharing networks—the medium through
which the vast majority of such material is distributed.”
There are reports that this site
www.afterlife101.com
is no longer visible within Australia. If this is true it looks like
an excuse for censorship of anything anyone in authority doesn't agree
with - perhaps."
If it is, someone needs to arrange a petition/campaign against it (unless there already is one).
censorship by enforcing a universal national filter that will block
websites deemed “controversial” as part of a wider agenda to regulate
the Internet, according to free speech advocates.
A provision whereby Internet users could opt out of the filter by
contacting their ISP has been stripped from the legislation, meaning
the filter will be universal and mandatory. The System Administrators
Guild of Australia and Electronic Frontiers Australia have attacked
the proposal, saying it will restrict web access, raise prices and
slow Internet traffic speeds. The plan was originally created as a way
to combat child pornography and adult content, but could be extended
to include almost any *“controversial” websites.
The Australian government will no doubt insist that its filter is in
the best interests and is only designed to block child pornography,
snuff films and other horrors, yet the system is completely pointless
because it will not affect file-sharing networks—the medium through
which the vast majority of such material is distributed.”
There are reports that this site
www.afterlife101.com
is no longer visible within Australia. If this is true it looks like
an excuse for censorship of anything anyone in authority doesn't agree
with - perhaps."
If it is, someone needs to arrange a petition/campaign against it (unless there already is one).
