I’ve ranted about this before, but I feel it’s important…
The internet is based on the premise of a distributed communication network that embodies the concept of “free speech”. Filtered internet is NOT INTERNET, it’s a cruel mimic, presenting only a pale twisted reflection of the open net. Alright, less poetry, more facts:
The filter list was leaked last year, and as suspected, it features sites that don’t contain illegal material. In fact it features sites such as wikileaks.org that serve content designed to keep Governments and large corporations honest. Apparently I could be fined $11,000 (a day) just for linking to them. Did I fall asleep and wake up in an Orwell novel, or in North Korea!! This is a clear sign that the internet filter has sinister potential.
Unfortunately, we’ve just missed a round of public consultation. The good news is, all of the submissions I have read look well thought out and justifiably negative. The community at large has been mobilised, and the rest of the “free world” have raised similar concerns.
I just hope the Federal Government is listening.
