EFA welcomes some opposition to mandatory filtering

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 15:12

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

While Electronic Frontiers Australia welcomes the widespread opposition to the Federal Government's plan for mandatory Internet filtering, it is critical of the efforts of the Anonymous group.

A protest group going by the name Anonymous has claimed responsibility for distributed denial of service attacks on the Federal Government. The group is also planning street protests.

"EFA condemns the denial of service attacks orchestrated by Anonymous, as they damage the cause by playing to stereotypes of filter opponents as juveniles motivated by a desire to ensure the availability of Internet pornography," said EFA vice-chair Colin Jacobs.

"They serve no purpose but to give the Government the moral high ground, and distract from arguments about the ineffectiveness of the policy and its ramifications for free speech," he added.

And regarding the street protests, EFA campaign manager Peter Black said EFA does not support these protests. Any attempt to legitimise the actions of Anonymous only makes it easier for the Government to dismiss the opposition to its filter as fringe extremists."

"While we understand the frustrations that the Anonymous members feel, we would instead encourage people to contact their local Member of Parliament, or participate in the National Day Action activities being planned by Block the Filter and Stop Internet Censorship on 6 March," added Black.

What's the EFA doing to promote what it sees as legitimate opposition to the proposals? Please read on.