Mandatory internet filtering scheme will only block most obscene content: Conroy

The Government’s proposed mandatory internet filtering system will only block content that is refused classification, with all other explicit content to be voluntarily blocked by internet service providers.

The office of the Minister for Communications, Senator Stephen Conroy, has confirmed that after months of speculation on how the filter will run, only material that is classed as ‘Refused Classification’ will be mandatorily blocked.

“The Government would not mandate IP filtering or classifying web sites [beyond the RC classification]. Commercial offerings can do that,” a Department of Communications spokesperson told Itnews.com.au.

While Conroy has previously indicated the filter will block material that has been Refused Classification, it had not been confirmed whether the filter will only apply to sites with that label.

There has also been confusion as to what sites will be blocked on a “mandatory” basis.

Conroy’s office also confirmed that “unwanted content” – which the Government previously said it would block under the scheme – will now be blocked on a voluntary basis by internet service providers. The “unwanted content” refers to some material that is rated R18+ or X18+.

“ISPs can offer to filter additional content if they choose to, as an optional service for families,” the spokesperson said.

“The Government is also considering optional ISP content filtering products for those families who wish to have such a service.”

The decision comes after Conroy said last week in a Senate estimates hearing that the list of sites to be blocked may be submitted to an independent body for regular review, a decision welcomed by the ISP industry.

Trials are currently underway of the filtering system, with results due to be handed to Senator Conroy in either July or August.