Internet filter appeals mechanism unveiled

James Riley
Friday, 09 July 2010 12:23

IT Policy - Regulation

The Gillard Government is a step closer to introducing mandatory filtering of Refused Classification content from the internet with the release of a set of accountability and transparency measures that will apply to the policy.

But Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said the mandatory nature of the controversial filter would not be imposed until after a review of the Refused Classification category of the National Classification System had been completed.

Senator Conroy told a news conference in Melbourne the transparency and accountability measures included avenues for appeal of classification decisions, an annual independent review of blacklist of filtered content, and a standardised notification for users telling them a page has been blocked.

He also said Government would recommend a review of Refused Classification guidelines to states and territories - through the Standing Committee of Attorney's General - which would then by applied to the mandatory filtering scheme.

As an interim measure, Australia's three largest internet service providers - Telstra, Optus and Primus - have agreed to voluntarily block at the ISP level, a list of child abuse URLs compiled and maintained by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The transparency measures also include a mechanism that gives affected parties the ability to have decisions reviewed by the Classification Review Board, and sets out th process by which all content identified on the basis of a public complaint be classified by the Classification Board under the existing National Classification Scheme

"The public needs to have confidence that the URLs on the list, and the process by which they get there, is independent, rigorous, free from interference or influence and enables content and site owners access to appropriate review mechanisms," Senator Conroy said.

"The RC content list of URLs provides direct access to child abuse material so it cannot be published the way a list of prohibited book titles or movies can be."

He said the review of the RC category was being conducted after consultation with Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor as a result of community concerns about the range of materials that can be considered RC content.

"The review would examine the current scope of the existing RC classification, and whether it adequately reflects community standards," Senator Conroy said.

"As the Government's mandatory ISP filtering policy is underpinned by the strength of our classification system, the legal obligation to commence mandatory ISP filtering will not be imposed until the review is completed."

Refused Classification content includes child abuse material, bestiality, extreme violence including rape, detailed instruction in crime or drug use, and incitement of a terrorist act.