Internet filtering - did the Government just blink?

David Heath
Thursday, 17 December 2009 08:50

Opinion and Analysis

Hello
 
We noticed your coverage of the Australian Government's recent ISP-level filtering announcement.
 
For your convenience I have attached relevant files from the announcement for your use and records.
 
The Enex Testlab report into ISP-level filtering and Frequently Asked Questions are available online.
 
For more information, see online at: www.dbcde.gov.au/cybersafetyplan  
 
Thank you
 
DBCDE media team

Now, I'll admit that I was just a little bit 'short' in my thoughts about the whole project, but the fact that the media unit of a Government Department saw fit to attempt to 'educate' me (and hopefully my readers as well) is an intriguing development.  One can only assume that they are becoming nervous about the blanket negative coverage in the press.

(In case you're wondering, DBCDE is the Federal Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.)

In my memory, this is the first time such a reaction has happened and possibly an indication that they are getting ready to perform a back-flip (although getting it in the piked position is probably asking too much!).

Guess what, this won't change my mind one iota.  It's a crazy idea; not only is the Internet Filter a completely pointless exercise, it is a very expensive totally pointless exercise.