Filtering the Finnish way? forget it

By Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 27 February 2008 14:42

Opinion and Analysis

Few would argue with the goal of trying to block access to child pornography, even if the means are highly questionable, but Wiki News notes "Internet censorship has been a hot topic in Finland as of late. There have been proposals of extending Internet filtering to Internet gambling sites, sites related to terrorism and violence, and torrent-tracker The Pirate Bay."

Meanwhile, back in Australia, Conroy has made it very clear that mandatory filtering is no longer a matter for debate. It will happen, it's just a question of how. In his speech to the Internet Industry Assocation annual dinner last week he said: "the Rudd Government has an election commitment to the introduction of ISP level filtering to reduce the exposure of children to illegal content that is identified by ACMA. The ACMA blacklist of prohibited websites is currently compiled by a complaints-driven mechanism.

"The list will be expanded through international cooperation...I acknowledge industry concerns that filtering will affect Internet speeds or will result in over-blocking or underblocking. These issues will be addressed through the trial process. After the ACMA trial we intend to hold a pilot trial in a 'real world' environment. I can assure you that we will go forward through an informed, consultative and considered process to ensure that a workable solution is found. This evening, I ask the industry to continue engaging with the Government and with my Department to ensure that we achieve an outcome for ISP filtering that meets the needs of industry and the wider community."

It may be that this outcome is filtering against a very small list of child porn sites maintained by an independent body, which the ACMA's report suggests works quite well. But the level of enthusiasm being displayed by the minister (as evidenced by the tone of his response to the ACMA filtering report) has many in the industry both surprised, and worried that it will preclude reasoned and full consideration of all the options.

As another commentator to my earlier article put it after reading about the Finnish experience with ISP filtering. "It is incomprehensible that the new government with its fresh and competent approach to most comms issues should have fallen for this bullshit with all the hidden agendas."

And where's the Opposition when you need them? Keeping quiet I suspect, because after initially being highly sceptical of ISP filtering when in Government, it appeared to fall for the same bullshit and do a complete about turn.