Latest survey: we don't want the filter

David Heath
Tuesday, 13 April 2010 13:54

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Yet another survey of public opinion has come out strongly against the concept of an Internet filter.  Will the Government listen?  Probably not.

Recently, visitors to the Compare Broadband site were greeted with the question, "Do you agree with Australia's proposed internet filter?"

Of the 454 responses, 367 (81%) said 'no.'

In today's press release, Scott Kennedy, General Manager of Compare Broadband said, "As government is designed to represent the collective beliefs of their voting constituents, this number could be seen as quite surprising. There's been a lot of fear about the negative effects of the internet in recent times, but it looks like Australians would rather have their personal freedom to choose what they can and cannot see, rather than have that choice taken away from them."

Kennedy continues, "This view corroborates with that of recent US Government opinion as well as that of various anti-censorship and internet groups. Internet behemoth Google recently expressed concern over the issue."

However, even today, fellow iTWire correspondents have noted that Sen. Conroy is still forging ahead with his plans to implement the filter, even against increasingly strident opposition from the United States.