[LINK] Response from Minister re ISP level filtering

[Michael Meloni]

Jan Whitaker wrote:
> 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?]
>   

I believe the ACMA has always had this responsibility - at least since 
the blacklist was introduced.
> 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. ]
>   
Probably more along the lines of ISPs with blacklists in other 
countries, but it could include Governments as you say.
British Telecom is often mentioned by Mr Conroy when attempting to 
justify the clean feed.

> Consideration is being given to more sophisticated filtering 
> techniques for those families who wish to exclude other online content.
>   
Which translates to: We now realise we can't block 10 million+ 
'inappropriate websites' with our existing system.

> 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.]
>   

Internode and IINet recently spoke out against the plan. Telstra is the 
only major ISP to speak out in support but that doesn't surprise me. 
Last I heard Conroy's office hadn't spoken to EFA, but Danny could 
probably update us on that.


Michael
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Michael Meloni
http://www.somebodythinkofthechildren.com
http://www.netalarmed.com