SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — One might think a continent that saw its national genesis in the ashes of a British penal colony might be reticent to trample citizens’ individual liberties.Apparently the Australian government doesn’t see digital liberty as one of the great freedoms to which its citizens are entitled, because it recently became the first Western authority to censor the internet.
Citizens are not allowed to opt out of the nationwide system, which cost the government an estimated $125.8 million to deploy. A government department charged with overseeing the “cyber-safety” project has been charged with blacklisting sites that contain material inappropriate for children or “illegal” content.
According to a report published by London’s The Inquirer, “The Australian government is using he opportunity to delete any sites it thinks are not good for the health of the nation. Apparently [the filters] will allow porn but could rule out sites the government thinks should not be looked at, including controversial legal issues like legalising marijuana or euthanasia. It could also be used to stamp out legitimate protest sites whose members have a beef with the government.”
The paper also noted, “Internet service providers have warned that the glorious filter will slow Australian internet speeds down to that of a three-legged dingo dragging a baby up Ayers’ Rock.”
