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Australia to Propose Net Filtering Rules
The internationally maligned Australian proposal to filter Internet traffic at the Internet service provider (ISP) level to: i) block all so-called Refused Classification (RC) materials; and ii) optionally filter legal but objectionable content, is still proceeding towards implementation. Public consultations on measures to increase accountability and transparency in the endeavor closed on February 12, 2010, and 6 options were proposed for maintaining a mandatory blacklist of nationally prohibited websites. The test pilot results were released in December of 2009, showing good performance of the mandatory filters and mixed performance of the optional filters. “RC” material to be automatically filtered by the system is defined as child sexual abuse imagery, bestiality, sexual violence, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use and/or material that advocates the doing of a terrorist act. Under the proposal, a blacklist of RC websites will be maintained by the Classification Board of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and access will be denied to such sites by ISPs. Legislation containing the detailed proposal of how websites will be added to or removed from the list is expected to be introduced in 2010, with implementation within 12 months of passage. International press reports compare the Australian proposal to systems in place in China and Iran.
For the proposal for ISP filtering from the Australian Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, and related links, visit:
For the Ars Technica article on the performance of the pilot, visit:
For a synopsis of international commentary, visit: