[LINK] Blacklist not the ACMA list says Conroy

[Michael Meloni]

Internet list publication grossly irresponsible

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/014

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, 
Senator Stephen Conroy, today condemned the reported leak and 
publication of a list which includes prohibited internet addresses.

"The leak and publication of prohibited URLs is grossly irresponsible. 
It undermines efforts to improve cyber–safety and create a safe online 
environment for children," Senator Conroy said.

"Under existing laws the ACMA blacklist includes URLs relating to child 
sexual abuse, rape, incest, bestiality, sexual violence and detailed 
instruction in crime."

"No–one interested in cyber–safety would condone the leaking of these 
addresses."

"I am aware of reports that a list of URLs has been placed on a web 
site. This is not the ACMA blacklist."

"The published list purports to be current at 6 August 2008 and 
apparently contains approximately 2400 URLs whereas the ACMA blacklist 
for the same date contained 1061 URLs."

"There are some common URLs to those on the ACMA blacklist. However, 
ACMA advises that there are URLs on the published list that have never 
been the subject of a complaint or ACMA investigation, and have never 
been included on the ACMA blacklist."

"ACMA is investigating this matter and is considering a range of 
possible actions it may take including referral to the Australian 
Federal Police. Any Australian involved in making this content publicly 
available would be at serious risk of criminal prosecution."

"The ACMA blacklist of prohibited URLs has been in place since 2000. 
URLs placed on the list have been deemed to contain prohibited content 
as determined by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992."

"The ACMA blacklist is currently provided to vendors of filtering 
software under a Code between ACMA and the Internet Industry 
Association. It is used for the provision of PC–based filter programs 
which are endorsed by the Internet Industry Association."

"Under current law, ACMA has the power to issue take–down notices for 
prohibited URLs hosted in Australia. However, it has no power to do the 
same for content hosted overseas."

"The Government has indicated an interest in using ISP–level filtering 
technology to block URLs that display content that is Refused 
Classification under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, including child 
sexual abuse imagery, bestiality, sexual violence, detailed instruction 
in crime, violence or drug use and/or material that advocates the doing 
of a terrorist act."

"A final decision on the extent of the content filtering proposal will 
be determined after the conclusion of technical feasibility trials."

Date: 19 March 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457

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