Australian Internet Filter Plan Worries U.S.

The United States of America is worried about Australia's strict Internet filter that would place limitations on web content, which was put into place on Monday, March 29th. These policies have made Australia one of the strictest Internet regulators among the world's democracies. US State Department Spokesman Michael Tran says: "We have raised our concerns on this matter with Australian Officials" Internet giants Google and Yahoo have condemned the proposal as a heavy-handed measure that could restrict access to legal information. The Australian Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the filter will be used to help the public, blocking access to child pornography sites, sexual violence sites, and sites that contain detailed instructions in crime or drug use. The new filter program will be updated constantly based on public complaints. Some critics even, have put Australia in the same censorship league as China.

I do believe that Australia's Internet filter is a little too strict on it's citizens. However, I don't think America has any business in Australia's affairs. They've raised their concerns to Australian officials and now it's time for them to back off. I believe the Australian population is the main decider in this debate. If they do not support this potential "law" then it will not be put into effect. Even if it is put into effect, the citizens can vote off the current government. Also, these websites do not pose a threat to the Australian government. Why ban something that is not a threat? This, I believe, is why some critics put Australia in the same censorship league as China. Still, the question remains: has Australia become so worried about it's citizens as to limit what they can view on the World Wide Web? This remains an unanswered question for the time being.

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/03/29/tech-australia-internet-filter.html