OzHub, the Macquarie Telecom-led cloud computing alliance, has come down firmly on the side of Optus over the copyright controversy surrounding Optus TV Now, warning that any moves to change the law "risk branding Australia a global luddite state."
In an appeal for the younger "internet generation" to get involved, Electronic Frontiers Australia has launched a campaign to help them educate parents about the total pointlessness of the Internet filter.
According to Electronic Frontier Australia (EFA) Chairman Colin Jacobs, "Australian parents need help and information about real ways to keep their families safe - how to best supervise their children, and tools that can work inside their homes."
"The filter is a political stunt that distracts from that. Once people understand the cynicism of the policy, they go pretty cold on it. Even my mum thinks it's a lousy idea."
One of the problems with the Internet filter is that at first glance, it seems like a good idea. It's only upon reflection and further enquiry that the flaws become obvious.
And it's the younger, connected generation that understand clearly (and are often too young to vote); hence the new campaign.
"All the evidence suggests that the more people know about this policy, the less likely they are to support it," said Jacobs. "That's why we think it's crucial that people who understand what's going on reach out and inform those close to them."
At the newly-created website, visitors will find plenty of practical advice on how to spread the message to anyone that will listen (not just your Mum) and all of the key points to explain why the filter is a really silly idea.
The site also has an amusing 4-minute video featuring Akmal Saleh (he's the short bald-headed swarthy-looking comedian frequently on 'It's Good News Week') which sets the scene very nicely.
"The Government took this policy to the last election as a 'cyber-safety' tool to help parents, but it's since changed into something completely different. Not only will the filter not protect children, it might give parents a false sense of security and actually lessen the supervision kids get online," said Jacobs.
The author strongly recommends that everyone take a look at the site and take the advice; tell your Mum!
David Frost
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