Cornered! is a blog devoted, most of the time anyway, to telecommunications: local and global issues, technology, people and trends from the perspective of someone who's been reporting, analysing and commenting on the industry since the dark ages (BC - before competition). Sometimes serious, sometimes flippant, sometimes frivolous. Controversial, analytical, informative, amusing, but never boring; a vehicle for examinations of important issues and observations on my encounters and experiences in an industry where polarised views and hyperbole are the norm.
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Cornered! Filtering the Finnish way? forget it
Cornered! Filtering the Finnish way? forget it | Filtering the Finnish way? forget it |
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| by Stuart Corner | |
| Wednesday, 27 February 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 2 Few would argue with the goal of trying to block access to child pornography, even if the means are highly questionable, but Wiki News notes "Internet censorship has been a hot topic in Finland as of late. There have been proposals of extending Internet filtering to Internet gambling sites, sites related to terrorism and violence, and torrent-tracker The Pirate Bay." "The list will be expanded through international cooperation...I acknowledge industry concerns that filtering will affect Internet speeds or will result in over-blocking or underblocking. These issues will be addressed through the trial process. After the ACMA trial we intend to hold a pilot trial in a 'real world' environment. I can assure you that we will go forward through an informed, consultative and considered process to ensure that a workable solution is found. This evening, I ask the industry to continue engaging with the Government and with my Department to ensure that we achieve an outcome for ISP filtering that meets the needs of industry and the wider community." It may be that this outcome is filtering against a very small list of child porn sites maintained by an independent body, which the ACMA's report suggests works quite well. But the level of enthusiasm being displayed by the minister (as evidenced by the tone of his response to the ACMA filtering report) has many in the industry both surprised, and worried that it will preclude reasoned and full consideration of all the options. As another commentator to my earlier article put it after reading about the Finnish experience with ISP filtering. "It is incomprehensible that the new government with its fresh and competent approach to most comms issues should have fallen for this bullshit with all the hidden agendas." And where's the Opposition when you need them? Keeping quiet I suspect, because after initially being highly sceptical of ISP filtering when in Government, it appeared to fall for the same bullshit and do a complete about turn. |
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