Google weighs in on internet filter
Google’s Australian division, has added it’s 2 cents to the debate on the Internet Filter Policy proposed by the Labour Government of Australia to filter all web traffic it’s citizens view and deny access to refused classification or other objectional content.
In it’s blog, Google have openly opposed the Australian Internet Filter, and submitted it’s arguments to the Labour party including:
- The filter would block access to some important content, including some politically controversial content, with Google indicates is vital in democracy.
- It removes choices, claiming that parents will become complacent, under a false sense of security, believing they or their children will be protected from harm on the internet.
- Isn’t effective in protecting children, because the objectional content is often found outside of HTTP websites.
They’ve also stated it will signficantly slow down internet access of large websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google’s own video channel, YouTube.
Google has used Youtube as an example, citing it’s Community Guidelines Policy, and self-regulation, and also said that the government should shift it’s focus to user education to help improve online safety.
We at SearchNews are very opinionated on the matter also, we also believe that the filter is poorly thought out, will put burdens on resources, having a direct impact on internet access pricing, and will have a detremental effect on internet access in Australia.
We beleive there are much better ways to protect children and weed out criminals, and that our tax-payer’s dollars can be better allocated to other programs.
The Proposed Internet Filter Policy will be brought before the senate in coming weeks, however it will require support from the Australian Liberal Party to pass into legislation.
We will be watching with great anticipation and hope the outcome is the Internet Filter Policy being shelved as a technological blunder in the history of the Australian Government.
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