[LINK] Response from Minister re ISP level filtering

[Jan Whitaker]

In January, I wrote to Stephen Conroy about the ISP level filtering 
the government is developing/testing via ACMA. I received a reply 
today, dated 27 June 2008. Three pages long!

They ain't budgin'. There are lots of areas funded out of the $125.8 
mill, including AFP, DPP, ISP filtering, Education activities via 
ACMA, websites, a Consultative Working Group, Youth Advisory Group 
and research.

The filter info in the letter says:
[quote]
A key part of the Gov't's plan to make the internet a safer place for 
children is the introduction of ISP level filtering. Filtering would 
cover illegal and prohibited content using an expanded ACMA blacklist 
of prohibited sites, which includes images of the sexual abuse of children.

The ACMA blacklist operates as part of the Online Content 
Co-regulatory Scheme which addresses the accessibility of prohibited 
content on the internet. The Scheme operates via a complaints based 
mechanism. Where content is assessed as prohibited, and is hosted 
overseas, it will be included on the ACMA blacklist. Australian based 
content assessed as prohibited is subject to a 'take down' notice.

In addition, regardless of where the content is hosted, if ACMA 
considers the content to be of a sufficiently serious nature it must 
notify the content to an Australian police force. [me: What happened 
to OFLC responsibilities? Now ACMA can act on its own?]

The govt will expand the ACMA blacklist to make it more 
comprehensive, including increased international cooperation with 
countries that have their own blacklists.
[me: I assume this would include any ultra-conservative govts? They 
aren't saying which countries those might be, which I see as problematic. ]

Consideration is being given to more sophisticated filtering 
techniques for those families who wish to exclude other online content.

The Govt's ISP filtering policy is being developed through an 
informed and considered approach, including an ACMA laboratory trial, 
extensive industry consultation, and close examination of overseas 
models to assess their suitability for Australia. A real world 'live' 
pilot involving ISPs and their customers will follow the laboratory 
trial. [me: So once again, no prior consultation with consumer reps. 
No change there from the last mob's lack of consultation. If ACMA 
Linkers can provide different info, it would be worth hearing.]

The Govt is committed to working closely with the industry to address 
any concerns, including costs and internet speeds. These concerns 
will be carefully considered during the pilot and will inform the 
Govt's cyber-safety policy.
[/quote]

The rest is spruiking staysmartonline.gov, scamwatch.gov, and ACMA's 
Spam Matters program.

So, linkers -- anything in this?

Jan



Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
jwhit at janwhitaker.com
business: http://www.janwhitaker.com
personal: http://www.janwhitaker.com/personal/
commentary: http://janwhitaker.com/jansblog/

Anonymous fame at last! - anon

Writing Lesson #54:
Learn to love revision. Think of it as polishing the silver for 
guests. - JW, May, 2007
_ __________________ _


-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG. 
Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1529 - Release Date: 1/07/2008 7:23 PM