Conroy’s mandatory internet filter should be limited to serious crime depictions: Report

Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has received an Australian Law Reform Commission report recommending any mandatory internet filter be limited to blocking content depicting serious crimes.

According to iTnews, the ALRC report recommends amending classification laws to include a new “prohibited” content category, which would include any content inciting, promoting, or instructing people to commit serious crimes.

While the report does not explicitly recommend introducing a mandatory internet filter, it does recommend that if one is introduced, it should be limited to content falling under the new “prohibited” classification.

The recommendation is buried in the 393-page report, handed to Federal Attorney General Nicola Roxon, on reforming Australia’s media classification laws.

The report will not be considered until the end of the convergence review, scheduled for the end of next month.

Note: This article originally referred to the report as being published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. It was published by the Australian Law Reform Commission.