Stephen Conroy announces ISP filter changes, Google responds
- 21 July 2010
Photo credit: Senator Stephen Conroy
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy has modified the proposed introduction of ISP filtering with a series of transparency and accountability measures.
The proposed ISP filtering plan involved dividing all content on the internet into safe and Refused Classification categories for the consumption of the Australian public. The Refused Classification category was originally intended to
filter out material including child abuse, bestiality, extreme violence, detailed instruction in crime or drug use, and incitement of acts of terrorism. The transparency and accountability measures aim to appease the primary criticism of the filter,
being that its scope is far too broad, going beyond offensive material to potentially block access to important and inoffensive information.
“The RC content list of URLs provides direct access to child abuse material so it cannot be published the way a list of prohibited book titles or movies can be,” said Senator Conroy in a press release.
“The public needs to have confidence that the URLs on the list, and the process by which they get there, is independent, rigorous, free from interference or influence and enables content and site owners access to appropriate review
mechanisms.”
The measures to aid transparency are designed to encourage public confidence that only content specified by the legislation is being blocked. The measures include an annual review of the RC content list by an independent expert and clear avenues of
appeal for classification decisions. All content that is identified by public complaint would be classified by the Classification Board under the National Classification Scheme, and affected parties would have the ability to have decisions reviewed
by the Classification Board.
Karim Temsamani, managing director for Google Australia and New Zealand responded to the proposed amendments with back-handed praise.
“We’re heartened to see Government has taken account of the genuine concerns expressed by many on the Refused Classification category,’ said Temsamani in a statement.
“While our position on the Government’s proposed filter has not changed, we welcome the recommendation to conduct a review of the RC classification and we look forward to the opportunity to provide input.
