Greens back filter protest

update Greens Party Senator Scott Ludlam today put his support behind an online protest that takes aim at the Federal Government's mandatory ISP-level filtering regime.

The protest, entitled "The Great Australian Internet Blackout", is being endorsed by Electronic Frontiers Australia and runs Monday until Friday, aiming to make a public show of the community's concerns about the government's plans.

Ludlam's website will blackout alongside an approximate 500 other websites. Anyone visiting a site during the blackout will see a notice about the protest on a darkened page.

An example of a site under blackout
(Credit: Ben Grubb)

"I am proud to be part of this week-long national action," Ludlam said in a statement.

"The government's plan will not protect children, will do nothing to crack down on criminal activity online, and sets a dangerous precedent of centralised net censorship.

"Communications Minister Stephen Conroy should start paying attention to the almost universal condemnation of this scheme and pursue alternatives rather than pushing ahead with the mandatory filter."

Ludlam holds a key vote for passing legislation necessary for the regime to be implemented by Australian ISPs. The legislation is scheduled to be put before the Senate prior to 18 March.

A spokesperson for Ludlam originally said the Senator would only push amendments. Ludlam himself later clarified to ZDNet.com.au he would "vote the bill down" if amendments were not agreed to.

Draft legislation has not yet been released.

Offline protests against the filter were due to commence tomorrow. A spokesman for the offline events, supported and endorsed by Electronics Frontiers Australia, said that there were approximately 20 BBQs planned for Australia Day.

A national day of protests against the regime will take place on 6 March 2010.

Are you going to blackout your site or attend a protest BBQ on Australia Day?