US concerned over filtering plans

The US Government has said it is concerned with the Australian Government’s plan to introduce a mandatory internet filter.

A spokesman for the US state department has said officials have raised concerns with Australian representatives, but no other comment has been given, according to the ABC.

The discussion between the two Governments comes as lobby groups and analysts have marked their opposition to the plan, saying it would slow internet speeds and would not block inappropriate material effectively enough.

However, communications minister Stephen Conroy has now said he has not had any direct contact with US representatives. On ABC radio, he said last night that “I haven’t had any direct contact with the US State Department”.

Conroy is set to introduce legislation regarding the filter within the next few months, with the filter itself expected to be running within the next year. However, some Opposition senators believe the legislation could be delayed until after the federal election.