[LINK] ACMA Report on Developments in Internet Filtering Technologies - was - : various

[Tom Koltai]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: link-bounces at mailman1.anu.edu.au 
> [mailto:link-bounces at mailman1.anu.edu.au] On Behalf Of Jan Whitaker
> Sent: Monday, 27 April 2009 4:52 PM
> To: link at anu.edu.au
> Subject: [LINK] various
> 
> from: Fwd: Slattery's Watch - 27th April, 2009
> >  ACMA's second
> > 
> <http://slattery.slatteryit.com.au/rp//118/process.clsp?t=2186
> FEA2798854C5CC029C3BA80EFBF07>report 
> > has been made available on international developments in internet 
> > filtering technologies and other measures for promoting 
> online safety.

With reference to the:
ACMA Report on Developments in Internet Filtering Technologies and other
measures for Promoting Online Safety.

I don't often say well done to Government organisations that are
considering restricting users internet access rights.
And, I am sure that everyone knows my feelings on the question - Can the
Net be Filtered Successfully? (In case you don't - it's no. It can't.)

But in this instance - I am forced to say well done.

ACMA have taken a very difficult subject and handled it factually and
informatively. 
I consider some of their conclusions may not be quite "best of practice"
but all in all a most comprehensive report on the way forward.

I am pleased that that ACMA consider a valuable part of the next steps
forward (budgetary considerations 2009-2013) is the concept of expanding
the knowledge base - although I note with alarm that only 8% has been
allocated to this portion of the exercise.

I would opine that the knowledge base is the critical portion of the
exercise or every solution will fail.
(addendum: I would add that from a personal viewpoint - I have firsthand
experience that Government and Management organisations do not actually
want to receive detailed data (e.g.: large corporations and their
corporate governance consultants - believe they have this problem
solved,) - which is disappointing. After all - is there such a thing as
an expert in this field in the Government?
In response to my own question I would like to say that when I was 18, I
knew everything. When I was twenty-one, I knew everything squared and
that when I was 25 - everything cubed. Now Im over 50, I know a lot less
than I did when I was 18. The Government is about 14 years old in
Internet years - first Senate Committee hearings into "R" rated Computer
Game Classifications was in 1994.)

My additions to the report would entail a reward system as part of the
educational process. Something needs to counter the australian meme -
"don't be a dobber".
I don't think a monetary reward is called for - but some recogniseable
reward or acclaim to positevly reinforce the negativity of the illegal
content purveyor or proponent - should be developed. 

Possibly some educators could jump in here - Im afraid Im out of my
depth.

But all in all - well done ACMA - you managed to surprise me. I do hope
the Minister finds the time to actually read the report in its entirety
and not just the two pager summary that was no doubt prepared for him.


Tom





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