Internet+filtering

= Internet Filtering =

OUR POLICY Labor supports the National Mandatory Internet Filter. This involves the blocking of sites on which Restricted Classification (RC)- rated content may be viewed currently. The list of blocked sites will be compiled from a public complaints mechanism.

INTRODUCTION The internet is an essential tool for all Australians, including children. It is an integral part of our economic and social activities, and a vast resource of information, education and entertainment. While the internet has created substantial benefits for children, it has also exposed them to a number of dangers, including exposure to illegal and prohibited content. Parents rightly expect the Government to play its part in helping protect children online. Facts

PROPOSAL · A mandatory filter for all Australians · filter will block Refused Classification (RC)- rated content What is RC-rated content? o content that promotes or provides instruction in paedophile activity o descriptions or depictions of child sexual abuse o detailed instructions in crime or violence, and the use of illicit drugs o depictions of bestiality o sexual violence o sexualised nudity or activity involving minors o material that advocates the doing of a terrorist act

· this proposal will require all ISPs to block RC-rated content hosted on overseas servers o current laws require Australian websites to take down any material that is RC-rated · an Internet Service Provider (ISP) filter would block anything deemed offensive by the government for us'

ISP · Companies such as Telstra, Optus, iiNet and Primus who provide Internet services to the public.

· an additional optional level of filtration will be available · a trial test in 2009 showed that filtering can be done with 100% accuracy and negligible impact on internet speed · the list of blocked sites will be compiled through a public complaints mechanism · government will also add specific internet addresses (URLs) of known child abuse material through sharing lists with highly regarded international agencies after an assessment of the rigour and accountability of classification processes used by these agencies · Labor is implementing new transparency measures to ensure the public can have absolute confidence in the process for material being placed on the RC Content list. · government will also undertake public consultation on additional things that could be done to improve the process that adds websites to the RC-rated content list · an independent expert would review the processes involved in placing a website on the RC-rated content list, and give feedback to Parliament and the community

· this is held in conjunction with other cyber-safety measures, including finding for additional online Australian Federal Police officers · filtering is already occurring in other countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.