EFA welcomes Hockey stance on Internet filter

Stephen Withers
Friday, 12 March 2010 15:33

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Electronic Frontiers Australia has welcomed remarks made by Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey concerning proposed mandatory Internet filtering.

As previously reported, Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey last night described Internet filtering as Government over-reach – not because people should have access to unlawful material, but because the infrastructure represents a danger in itself.

"Protecting liberty is about protecting freedoms against both known and future threats. Some may argue that we can surely trust a democratically-elected government in Australia to never try to introduce more widespread censorship. I am not so sure!," said Hockey.

"One of our main concerns is how the list might expand in the future," said EFA vice-chair Colin Jacobs.

"With pressure from the media and special interest groups, it's hard to imagine this government forever resisting the temptation to add to the list - let alone all future governments," he added.

Hockey was seen as a potential party leader in the run-up to Tony Abbott's ascension to the role, and is widely regarded as a moderate with broad appeal to the electorate.

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