Australian government backs internet censorship

The Australian government has published the results of an internet filtering trial and announced that it intends to proceed with measures that amount to mandatory internet censorship.

In a statement, it said it plans to "introduce legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act to require all ISPs to block RC (Refused Classification)-rated material hosted on overseas servers".

"RC-rated material includes child sex abuse content, bestiality, sexual violence including rape, and the detailed instruction of crime or drug use".

Senator Stephen Conroy described the scheme as "a package that balances safety for families and the benefits of the digital revolution".

However, critics have raised concerns over how the list of restricted sites will be compiled and how easily it can be circumvented by those determined to seek out illegal material.

Earlier this year an early version of the list obtained by the website Wikileaks was found to contain the websites of a tour operator, religious groups and a dentist from Queensland.

In response to criticism, Senator Conroy today announced the release of a discussion paper on "measures to improve the accountability and transparency" of the blacklisting procedure.

However Senator Scott Ludlam, communications spokesperson for the Australian Greens political party, described the policy as "simply misguided".

""The pointless nature of this proposal is set out in the report itself, which admits that the filters will be circumvented by people seeking blocked material", he added.

The Greens have pledged to move to amend the legislation if it reaches the Senate.