Australian Internet Filter Delayed

Australian Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy (pictured) has said that implementation of a mandatory Internet filter in the country will be delayed for about a year while the government examines exactly what constitutes content that is “refused classification.”

Conroy had intended to introduce official legislation on the matter in early 2010, but, according to ABC, will now delay it until later in the year, biding time as an independent review looks into what exactly should be banned by the filter. Who will be conducting the review is not known, or at least has not been revealed as of yet.

Conroy noted that depictions of child sexual abuse imagery, bestiality, sexual violence, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use and material that advocates a terrorist act are banned under the RC rating, adding, “…this material is not available in newsagencies; it is not on library shelves. You cannot watch it on a DVD or at the cinema and it is not shown on television.”

It was reported that, “in the meantime,” three Australian ISPs have agreed to block websites featuring child pornography.

Earlier this week, Australia’s new Prime Minister Julia Gillard endorsed plans for the filter.


Thanks Ryan!