[MLB-WIRELESS] Government Internet Filter - What do you think?

[mw at freenet.net.au]

Hi Tyson,

 

Although I still think that it is important to keep up the pressure, it looks like this one is increasingly likely to go the way of the last attempt to do something similar about 10 years ago.

 

You will probably be aware that Telstra has already declared that they will not be participating in the trial, and optus have said they will only run a cut down version.

 

iinet have apparently publicly stated that they will run the trial, but only so they can gather evidence to prove that it is unworkable.  I suspect they will not have a hard time to collect that kind of detail ;-)

Cheers!

 

Mike.

 

From: melbwireless-bounces at wireless.org.au [mailto:melbwireless-bounces at wireless.org.au] On Behalf Of Tyson Clugg
Sent: Wednesday, 10 December 2008 12:28 AM
To: Melbourne Wireless
Subject: [MLB-WIRELESS] Government Internet Filter - What do you think?

 

Dear Melbourne Wireless,

I'm sure that you've heard about the government plan to filter all internet traffic, primarily in order to help prevent access to illegal and unwanted websites by minors.  I am aware that you are probably opposed to the current proposal, and you may even be attending the rally this Saturday at the State Library from 12pm until 5pm.  As your president elect, it is my duty to be the voice of the group as a whole - which is why I have accepted an offer by rally coordinators to be "up the front" talking to the crowds (and media) at the rally this Saturday.  It is such an important issue for Melbourne Wireless that it would be remiss of me not to accept such an offer.

Instead of "preaching to the converted" this Saturday, I will be focusing my efforts at persuading the general public to support our views through comments directed at gaining media attention and subsequent coverage on the evening news.  Furthermore, I shall not be "attacking" the government, and will not tolerate any members doing so during this debate.  I wish to offer the government a chance to "save face" by presenting a set of viable alternatives, instead of engaging in a political slanging match.  The viable alternatives need to be supplied by people like you.

I need to hear from you regarding this important issue - your thoughts and ideas as to what I should be saying on behalf of Melbourne Wireless regarding the various related sub-issues surrounding this whole debate.  More than just "I am opposed to the current plan", but why you are opposed and what alternatives can be offered in contrast to the current government proposal.  I need to hear your thoughts on this matter ASAP!

Distinct issues I'd like to hear about include:
 * Internet filtering for minors.
 * Internet filtering for adults.
 * Opt-in compared against opt-out.
 * Self regulation by Internet Service Providers.
 * Censorship of other mediums (eg: TV, magazines).
 * Unwanted versus illegal content.
 * Transparency of filter management.
 * Feasibility of various filtering mechanisms.
 * Effectiveness of various filtering mechanisms.
 * Efficiency of various filtering mechanisms.
 * Economic effects of filtering.
 * Consumer demand for filtering solutions.
 * Government duty of care to protect minors.

As you can see, there are many issues surrounding this debate, I'm sure you can think of many more as well.   Please reply immediately with your thoughts, comments and ideas so they may be expressed to the world as official Melbourne Wireless policy this Saturday.

Sincerely yours,
Tyson Clugg.
President, Melbourne Wireless. 

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