It was announced today that the Federal Government will introduce legislation to make it mandatory that all content on the Internet that is “Refused Classification” (RC) must be filtered. This seems harmless, as who would want to look at Child Pornography? Not me. But this isn’t just about Child Pornography.

Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy has had the habit of some time of reminding us that RC content includes “child sex abuse content, bestiality, sexual violence and the detailed instruction of crime and drug use”. It is important to note though that not all RC content is illegal. For example, many computer games that are refused classification (due to Australia not having an R18+ category for games) are not illegal to possess. It isn’t illegal to possess pornography (except for certain kinds, including child pornography). Books and websites on euthanasia, suicide, abortion and even online poker sites have been “refused classification” and added to the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) blacklist. Libertas.net has some excellent information on what this “Refused Classification” content really is.

I agree with Senator Conroy that there is content on the Internet that isn’t suitable for children, and in some cases even adults, to see. From the Courier-Mail article I linked above:

“Most Australians acknowledge there is some internet content which is not acceptable in any civilised society,” Senator Conroy told reporters in Melbourne after giving the mandatory filter the green light.

“It is important that all Australians, particularly young children, are protected from this material.”

I agree on these points:

• There is content on the Internet that is not acceptable to be viewed.
• It is important that children are protected from this material.

That’s about it really.

What I do not agree on is having my right to access information that some find objectionable, but which isn’t illegal, restricted by some draconian Government-mandated filter. I do not agree with having my tax money thrown towards a solution which will not solve the problem of Child Pornography. I do not agree with having my taxes spent on a National Broadband Network to have it slowed down by a filter which will not solve anything. I’m also guessing it will be illegal to circumvent the filter in anyway to access things which I should be allowed to, like I’ve discussed previously.

It’s time that Australians take action and tell the Federal Government to stick its mandatory filter. We don’t need it. We’ve never needed it.