Filtering out reality?
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Late yesterday, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announced the six (mostly) small ISPs who will be participating in the first phase of the government's internet service provider (ISP) filtering live pilot.
If the trial demonstrates no technical issues, the government intends to enforce an Australian Communications and Media Authority blacklist of sites on all internet users. Only paedophiles would be concerned about this applying to child pornography sites, but the ACMA blacklist is designed to cover all illegal content. Is this practical? Does it amount to censorship?
You'll hear a variety of views on the subject in this week's Twisted Wire, from those who say it won't work, those who are concerned about the implications if it does, to those who say there's too much at stake not to at least give it a go.
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Voicing their concerns are:
- Peter Coroneos, CEO of the Internet Industry Association
- Senator Scott Ludlam
- Hetty Johnston, executive director of Bravehearts
- Simon Hackett, founder and MD of Internode
- Senator Stephen Conroy declined our invitation to explain more from the government's perspective.
Be sure to give your views in the comments section below.
Phil Dobbie is a broadcaster and businessman with more than 15 years commercial experience across the telecommunications, internet, tourism, advertising and radio industries. Phil also provides a daily podcast for our sister site BNET.com. Join him for BTalk Australia, where he provides a lively and insightful view on business issues, adding his blend of irony and humour to the discussions.