Andrew

Here is a letter I sent to my local MP- I wish there was another branch to post under. This blog is already a huge mess:

Dear Mr Bevis,

As an Australian and as an internet user, I have grave concerns about the proposed mandatory internet filtering initiative.

Given the importance our Government has attached to modernising Australia's broadband network, pursuing a policy that can only slow down and increase the costs of home internet access seems misguided at best. Australian households are diverse, and most do not have young children, so mandating a one-size-fits-all clean feed approach will not serve the public well. I don't think it is the Government's role to decide what's appropriate for me or my children, and neither do most Australians. Black and white, binary arguments made by Senator Conroy about "illegal content" are as ill-conceived as G.W. Bush's "You're either with us, or you're against us" rhetoric, and are equally misleading.

If this proposal were to pass, it would spell the end of democracy in this country, not to mention e-business. I am thoroughly shocked by Senator Conroy's appallingly obtuse and seemingly ignorant stance on the issue; to disregard and selectively twist all expert advice on the subject, mislead parliament about overseas filtering systems and avoid questions on the subject, and launch what is potentially the most dangerous attack on free speech, on the last remaining free-speech medium should see him removed from his position, as he clearly does not act in the best interests of the Australian people, and is thus unsuitable for the role. We do not wish to join the ranks of China, Cuba or North Korea, regardless of how many imaginary children may be "protected" by such a policy.

Given the amount of online content available, and its exponential growth, the Government will never be able to classify it all and filters will always result in an unacceptable level of over-blocking. I feel that the time and money could be spent in better ways both to protect children and improve Australia's digital infrastructure. Australian parents need better education about the risks their children face online. Trying to rid the internet of adult content is futile, and can only distract from that mission.

I sincerely trust you will give this matter the full attention it deserves, and prevent an expensive and easily avoidable disaster from taking place. Please read the comments from many online articles on the subject- you will find that for once, Australia unanimously agrees on something: internet filtering is a dreadful idea, and should not go ahead.

article1 article2 article3 article4 article5 I look forward to your response. Sincerely...