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October 30, 2008

They Said If George Bush Were Re-Elected...

...we'd see censorship on the internet. And they were right!

AUSTRALIA will join China in implementing mandatory censoring of the internet under plans put forward by the Federal Government.

The revelations emerge as US tech giants Google, Microsoft and Yahoo, and a coalition of human rights and other groups unveiled a code of conduct aimed at safeguarding online freedom of speech and privacy.

The government has declared it will not let internet users opt out of the proposed national internet filter.

The plan was first created as a way to combat child pronography and adult content, but could be extended to include controversial websites on euthanasia or anorexia.

Communications minister Stephen Conroy revealed the mandatory censorship to the Senate estimates committee as the Global Network Initiative, bringing together leading companies, human rights organisations, academics and investors, committed the technology firms to "protect the freedom of expression and privacy rights of their users".

Mr Conroy said trials were yet to be carried out, but "we are talking about mandatory blocking, where possible, of illegal material."

A sad, sad day.

And frankly a scary one, given how we are going to get this "Fairness Doctrine" rammed down our throats here.

Posted by Mr. Bingley at October 30, 2008 09:22 AM

Comments

Good Lord.

Posted by: tree hugging sister at October 30, 2008 10:59 AM

Tim Blair isn't going to like this!

Posted by: Retread at October 30, 2008 11:33 AM

What bothers me is how the Australian Christian group is all for this. I don't think these folks realize that it is kiddie porn today, Focus on the Family tomorrow. There are many ISPs that you can choose that would block this stuff - but it's you doing the blocking, not Her Majesty's government.

I don't know if my public library in Tampa blocks stuff. I don't know if they should be - if you can't afford a computer just get the SI swimsuit edition and stay home.

My library have some terminals equiped with screens that can not be seen by folks behind you.

Just keep you hands above the table.

Posted by: barking spider at October 30, 2008 01:11 PM

A clarification. The above comment is about grown-up porn. Kiddie porn should get you a long time stay in a very dark place.

Posted by: barking spider at October 30, 2008 02:28 PM

Oh, yay, more nanny statism disguising socialists.

Posted by: The_Real_JeffS at October 30, 2008 07:58 PM