Greens torpedo any chance of internet filter

James Riley
Monday, 16 August 2010 17:14

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Any hope that a returned Gillard Labor Government will implement mandatory ISP-level internet filtering has further diminished with the Greens rejecting the proposal as part of its cyber safety election policy

Greens communications spokesman Scott Ludlam said there were better ways to spend the $40.8 million budgeted by Government for online safety, and threw the party's support behind the PC-based filtering software plans that have also been adopted by the Coalition.

He outlined the need for further research into cyber-safety risks, changes to law enforcement and new net literacy education.

Senator Ludlam has been a vocal critic of the mandatory filter plan, claiming the policy "simply would not work" and risked a number of unintended consequences.

The Coalition announced its opposition to mandatory filtering last week. With the Greens, that bloc in the Senate makes the passage of the legislation impossible.

"The Greens believe Australians need a world-class national broadband network but we don't need the Australian Government looking over our shoulder and filtering what we see," Senator Ludlam said.

The Greens say filtering has a role to play in preventing accidental exposure to ugly material to young internet users. But it says the Government proposal had a limited range - just filtering the so-called Refused Classification material and leaving X-rated and other adult themed content.

They instead want to see an obligation placed on the ISPs to provide PC-based filters to those that want it, with the PC filters able to be customised to capture a much broader range of content.

Senator Ludlam also announced complementary measures to broaden the cyber-safety agenda beyond a narrow focus on filtering.

"It is also important that we take steps to truly understand the nature of the threats to young people online - threats such as cyber bullying and grooming, which have resulted in loss of life," Senator Ludlam said.

"The Greens would prioritise research into such threats and the best way to combat them, as recommended by experts in the field," he said.