When we think of Internet filtering on a countrywide scale most of us automatically think of the great Firewall of China, but now Australia is planning much and such the same thing.
The Australian government has said it will introduce to parliament some time next summer its controversial plan to impose mandatory filters on the Internet.
Forget the ethical ramifications of such a move, some objectors have said that not only will it suppress free speech, it will be difficult to impose, it will block access to some sites that are perfectly legitimate and it will slow down Internet speeds.
So how are they going to pull it off?
According to Australia’s Communications Minister Stephen Conroy an independent classification body will decide which websites are to be on the blacklist and be labelled as RC or “refused classification”.
Conroy has said that a seven month trial has shown that the disruption to internet speeds was minimal and that the system was 100 percent accurate.
He also said that ISPs would be able to impose additional filters in exchange for grants, to block access to objectionable sites such as gambling sites, that weren’t already included in the RC list.
“Through a combination of additional resources for education and awareness, mandatory internet filtering of RC-rated content, and optional ISP-level filtering, we have a package that balances safety for families and the benefits of the digital revolution,” he said.
Now the problem with using technology to block technology is that forget Geeks, anyone with an ounce of grey matter or a smattering of motivation is probably going to be able to get round it and access the sites anyway so exactly who is it going to protect?
“Successful technology isn’t necessarily successful policy” said Colin Jacobs from Electronic Frontiers Australia, a group that campaigns for online freedom.
“We’re yet to hear a sensible explanation of what this policy is for, who it will help, and why it is worth spending so much taxpayers’ money on.”
Don’t we live in interesting times, it was only a few months ago we saw a backlash in China when they wanted to impose a law that required internet filtering software to be preinstalled on all new computers and laptops.
Such was the outrage that even the Chinese government, renowned for taking a hard line approach to any sort of dissent, were forced to abandon their plans, albeit temporarily, in order to quieten the protestors.
I think the Australian government might be in for a bumpy ride ahead.
