Mandatory ISP-Level Filtering

According to Senator Conroy (2009) Internet filtering would reduce the risk of Australians being exposed to inappropriate material when online, particularly children.

The above video highlights and explains the planned ISP mandatory internet filtering policy which was proposed by Senator Conroy in 2009.

A pilot trial conducted by the government to test the proposed mandatory ISP-level filtering. Senator Conroy (2009) has outlined the success of the pilot trial into mandatory internet filtering, stating that ISP-level filtering can be done with 100% accuracy. However Enex TestLab’s results would say otherwise in their report stating that all six ISPs achieved between 78 to 84% accuracy and that 100% accuracy is unlikely to be achieved due to the high rate of new content being created on the internet (Lohman, 2009).

Additionally customer feedback on the test reported that a small number of people have experienced over-blocking and/or under-blocking of content during the pilot and experienced slower network speeds. However the results have stated that overall two-thirds of customers participating in the survey would continue using content filtering services (Lohman, 2009)

The Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy (2011A) have released an outline of online content regulation highlighting the specific prohibited content and classifications according to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. Below is an outline:

• RC (refused classification)
• X18+
• R18+ unless it is subject to a restricted access system
• MA15+ and is provided on a commercial basis (i.e. for a fee) unless it is subject to a restricted access system.

Below is the outline of Schedule 7 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992:

Schedule 7 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, Summarising online content classifications

Additionally the Department (2011B) have released the meaning of RC-rated material may include child sexual abuse imagery, sexual violence, violence or drug use and/or material that advocates a terrorist act.

However counterparts have argued that internet filtering may not be as effective as the Government believes to be. Arguments by Electronic Frontiers Australia and ISPs have highlighted issues about filtering system stating that it would not work due to practicality and classification issues. Electronic Frontiers Australia has also released a finding by the European Internet Services Providers Association on the ineffectiveness of ISP internet filtering stating that it would be a unsuccessful band-aid against illegal material. Further iiNet’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Steve Dalby (n.d.), has stated that the proposed filtering will not work and will not solve the problem the Government is trying to solve, further stating that iiNet will not support the policy.

Further Reading

Broadcasting Service Act 1992. Schedule 7. Retrieved from: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/bsa1992214/sch7.html

Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy. (2011A). Online content regulations. Retrieved from: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/broadband/online_content_regulation

Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy. (2011B). ISP filtering – frequently asked questions. Retrieved from: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/funding_and_programs/cybersafety_plan/internet_service_provider_isp_filtering/isp_filtering_live_pilot/isp_filtering_-_frequently_asked_questions#3.0

Electronic Frontiers Australia. (2011). Europe gets it: Filters don’t protect children. Retrieved from: http://www.efa.org.au/2011/01/12/europe-gets-it-filters-dont-protect-children/

Lohman, T. (2009, December 15). Mandatory ISP-level filtering report released. Computerworld.com.au. Retrieved from: http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/329886/mandatory_isp-level_filtering_report_released_/

Senator Conroy, S. (2009, December 15). Measures to improve safety of the internet for families. Retrieved from: http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/115