Internet Filter
So right now you may or may not be aware of the initiative by the Australian Federal Government to put mandatory filters on Australia’s internet access. Whilst in theory this may seem to be a good idea, to protect our children and such, it’s really not that positive. I normally don’t get into politics; I believe in Billy Connolly’s statement that if someone has a want or need to be a politician that it should bar them for life from ever being one. I just don’t find it that interesting. But when it comes to the internet, any legislation that they try to get through really hits home for me. I’ve been an internet user since the age of about 8 or 9, and have been building websites since about age 11, so anything that affects my usage of the ‘net, which has been one of very few ‘consistants’ throughout my life, gets my attention and interest.
So Minister Stephen Conroy is trying to put into action one of their promises they made before the election, which is to filter the internet to protect Australia’s children. The other main promise regarding the internet that was made is faster, cheaper broadband. Now if we look at these two together, they completely conflict. Not only will filtering the internet for all Australians slow the speed down dramatically, it will also cause monthly access costs to rise. Therefore, their proposal for ‘faster, cheaper’ internet access collapses.
The other main bug up my ass is the fact that there is already FREE downloadable software, provided by the Australian Federal Government, to filter internet access for those of us with children, not to mention the numerous other programs available for similar means. I would think that this would be enough – parents can then take control, setting filters for their kid’s internet access, and everyone’s happy. But no, the Government has to step in and ‘play parent’ while those of us without children are penalised for the stupidity of irresponsible parents.
I’m not saying that I approve of inappropriate material – definitely child pornography is one of the things in the world that I loathe and completely disapprove of – but when it comes to what else might be filtered by this initiative, I worry. Who is the Government to say what is and what isn’t “appropriate” for me as an Australian internet user? The word is that sites such as those regarding euthanasia and anorexia (whether in a positive or negative light) could be blocked. What if people are seeking help for such issues? What about kids in schools doing projects/assignments on such issues? Yes, there are books, but the internet is a hugely useful resource when it comes to quick, easy access to information.
We elect people to represent us, and to work for us, not against us. Why don’t these politicians listen to what the people are saying, and help us rather than hinder us? My proposal is to have this as an ‘opt-in’ initiative: if they really want to put filters on our internet, allow people who want it to opt-in, as opposed to putting a mandatory filter on every person’s access. We’re all adults here; let’s act like it.
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