[LINK] Possible Letter to Conroy (the real one)

[Roger Clarke]

Senator Conroy

cc. Senator Faulkner

Dear Senator Conroy

Your Government has blocked access to the site wikileaks.org.

This is a crucial web-site, because it enables freedom of information 
to be achieved in undemocratic jurisdictions.

Firstly, blocking it is an outrageous act of censorship, the like of 
which hasn't been seen in this country since the days of Menzies.

Secondly, it's completely inconsistent with your Government's stand 
on freedom of information.

Thirdly, it's futile.

There are multiple techniques whereby the blockage can be 
circumvented, gone-around or subverted, both by service-providers and 
by end-users.

The first-round effect of this step is to block the site, briefly for 
some, and a little longer for others.

The second-round effect is to destroy the credibility of yourself, 
your Government, and the country as a whole.

I/We urge that you reverse the decision immediately, and thereby 
avoid the backlash, which is gathering speed already, and which will 
teach a lot of people how to circumvent half-baked interferences with 
open operation of the Internet.

Y.s.  ...  [One, Some, Many?]


-- 
Roger Clarke                                 http://www.rogerclarke.com/

Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd      78 Sidaway St, Chapman ACT 2611 AUSTRALIA
                    Tel: +61 2 6288 1472, and 6288 6916
mailto:Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au                http://www.xamax.com.au/

Visiting Professor in Info Science & Eng  Australian National University
Visiting Professor in the eCommerce Program      University of Hong Kong
Visiting Professor in the Cyberspace Law & Policy Centre      Uni of NSW