Update: Jan 4 2010 – I received this response from Stephen Conroy today.
Senator Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced that the Federal government would go ahead with plans to filter internet access for all Australians.
It has yet to pass caucus. So it’s not too late to do something about it.
Apart from the whole “police state” mentality this brings, the whole scheme is simply not going to work. It will NOT protect children from unwanted net predators.
Here’s a copy of the letter I wrote using the campaign on GetUp:
Dear Mr Conroy
As a web-savvy parent of 2 children. I urge you to re-think your strategy for tackling “net threats” to children.
The answer lies in educating parents and children.
Making the filter mandatory is an infringement of our personal freedom and clearly the wrong choice from a technology perspective.
You said there would be a public consultation process, now is your change to listen to the people.
A quick search in the internet shows the vast majority of Australians do NOT want their internet filtered. The same search shows how easy the proposed filter can be bypassed.
I realise it’s difficult for the government to admit it’s made the wrong decision. This is a great opportunity to show strength and do the right thing.
Thanks for listening.
Some links for further reading:
- ISP filtering pilot results on the DBCDE website
- Why the Internet filter is not the solution we wish it was (Penny Sharpe MLC)
- Net censorship move a smokescreen: expert (SMH)
- Bypassing Australia’s Net Filter
- Do these people have no idea? — the folly of the Internet Filter
- My thoughts on the mandatory Internet filter – Lauren Cochrane
What you can do
Write to the government and put your name down.
The last thing we want is to end up with our freedom controlled by an ill-informed government.