Conroy delays mandatory internet filter

The Government’s proposed mandatory internet filter will be delayed for at least another year while a review on content that is refused classification is undertaken, communications minister Stephen Conroy announced this morning.

Telstra welcomed the announcement, saying it will adopt Conroy’s recommendation that ISPs voluntarily block a list of sites on the Australian Communications and Media Authority blacklist that have been refused classification.

Optus and Primus have also agreed to block a list of URLs. Conroy says the three companies combined account for over 70% of Australian internet users.

Conroy announced what he called a “suite of measures” to accompany the introduction of the filter. These will include:

• An annual review of the RC Content list by an independent expert who will be appointed in consultation with industry.
• Clear avenues for appeal of classification decisions.
• All content identified on the basis of a public complaint will be classified by the Classification Board,
• Affected parties have the ability to have the Government’s decision reviewed by the Classifications Review Board.
• Block page notification will be introduced, which means ISPs will provide notices to users if they visit a page blocked by the filter. They will be given instructions on how to have that site reviewed for approval.

The biggest announcement was that the Government will delay the introduction of the filter while a separate review is undertaken regarding the RC classification. He said this review will be undertaken due to community outcry about the material to be included on the blacklist.

“In order to address these concerns, the Government will recommend a review of the RC classification to State and Territory Ministers, be conducted at the earliest opportunity. The review would examine the current scope of the existing RC classification, and whether it adequately reflects community standards.”

“As the Government’s mandatory ISP filtering policy is underpinned by the strength of our classification system, the legal obligation to commence mandatory ISP filtering will not be imposed until the review is completed.”

The filter is set to block a list of URLs denied classification, with that list to be maintained by ACMA. Until the introduction of the filter, Conroy says ISPs should voluntarily block those URLs – and some have already agreed.

Telstra, Optus and Primus have all said they will voluntarily block a list of URLs containing child pornography, which will be maintained by ACMA.

“I welcome the socially responsible approach taken by some of Australia’s largest ISPs. Between them they account for around 70% of internet users in Australia,” Conroy said.

“I encourage other Australian ISPs to follow the example of these ISPs, as well as the large number of ISPs in other western democracies, who already block this abhorrent content.”

Telstra’s group managing director of public policy and communications, David Quilty, said in a statement that Telstra was willing to work with the Government block URLs at the ISP level.

“Telstra is happy to do this and continue our strong industry leadership in cyber-safety,” he said.

“However, it is important for people to understand that there is no magic solution which will make the internet 100% safe. As a result, we will continue to work closely with the Australian Federal Police, ACMA and other authorities to combat the abuse and exploitation of children.”

Other ISPs will not be held legally liable to block the ACMA list, but Conroy said the mandatory filter will still be introduced following the RC review.

Colin Jacobs, spokesperson for Electronic Frontiers Group Australia, says he is disappointed the Government didn’t take the opportunity to kill the filter when they had the chance.

“This story is far from over. The review of the classification system, a system designed for books, films and television, is not something you can apply to the internet. It’s tinkering around the edges without thinking up a good policy.”

“We can hope that in 12 months they will kill the filter, but that remains to be seen and for the moment it’s full steam ahead.”