Internet Censorship Valiant Valiant@halcon.com.au censorship, ISP, internet, Internet Censorship, blue ribon, government, .gov For years now, governments have threatened us Internet users with the censorship of Internet content. This may seem a logical and fair ideal for your new users, or occasional Internet users. But to most who have been in the Information Technology trade for many years, or who have been avid Net users, this is a devestating thought. The Internet is a base medium for Information as a whole, as its own entity, an anarchical one at that, the Internet has survived and prospered without interferance from external sources. To let the governments bring 'laws' to the internet, is letting them destroy it. The protection of children from adult material is up to the parents, children can easily find pornographic material of an explicit nature in other locations in their lives. However, the Internet is the favorite scape-goat for it these days. As for all material on the Internet, it is up to the viewer's descretion (a freedom we have as Internet users, not to abuse, but to learn) as to what he or she views, reads, downloads, etc. If that person is under-age, or not mature enough, then it is up to their parents / guardians. We truely fail to see how allowing government incursion of Internet information will fix the immaturity of some viewers, and the obvious misuse of information that these immature users partake in. from the government The Announcement E-mail from Senator Alston's office to Australian ISPs Second Reading - Amendment (Online Services) Bill 1999 comments on the proposed legislation The Dawn Of A New Dark Age? - Censorship and Amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act in the media Article in The Australian "No Smut Please - We're Australian", Wired take action Contact Senator Richard Alston Sign EFA Petition Prepare a submission to the Sentate RP Internet Press Release - Trial of Government's Proposal May 28th events planned by EFA sites with links to more information Stop Australian Internet Censorship Internet Censorship in Australia