Australia Plans Great Barrier Internet

November 1st, 2008

Posted by: admin

Apparently convinced that China’s internet policies are worth duplicating, reports out of Australia indicate the Australian government is planning a mandatory Internet filter for all citizens, with an additional, optional filter that would provide a ‘clean feed’ for those wishing to avoid adult material.  The rationale appears to be preventing illegal material from entering the country.

While as a general rule most technologies developed to prevent something from happening are eventually circumvented, government imposed internet restrictions do persist.  The most notable example is the “Great Firewall of China”, which – as described in this James Fallows piece from The Atlantic – defies easy explanation.  It’s a bad idea for a number of reasons, and the implementation of this filter will be an interesting policy fight to watch.

2 Responses to “Australia Plans Great Barrier Internet”

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  1. TokyoTom Says:

    It’s a bad idea for a number of reasons

    I think you earn an award for understatement, David.

    Thanks for posting this.

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