Australia Plans to Censor the Internet

SenatorLuddite writes "From January 20, 2008 new content laws introduced by the Federal Government will force sites to verify the age of users before accessing content intended for mature audiences (MA15+ and R18+). The laws bring internet classification into line with Film and Book classification laws and completely prohibits X18+ and RC content from the internet. ACMA (The Australian Communications and Media Authority) claims that adults will not be affected by the new laws, yet user-generated and even chatrooms are required to be assessed for classification and powers are granted to ACMA to send 'take down' notices to offending sites."

Comments

Re:Oh, Australia!

[Butisol]

Didn't their dude Chopper say something along the lines of "Harden the fuck up!" I guess they're not listening.

Re:Ahh yes, the "benefits" of tax fed governments.

[omeomi]

In USA there are only two parties, so it's not possible.

It's got its ups and downs. In a 2-party system you might get stuck choosing between Turd Sandwich and Giant Douche, but at least the winner usually has at least 50% of the vote (or, unfortunately, 49% of the vote and a lot of powerful friends). In a 3-party system, you may have a leader who has only >33% of the vote. That means a majority of the people are SOL. In a 4-party system, >25% and so on.

Re:Ahh yes, the "benefits" of tax fed governments.

[gnuman99]

No.

In a multi-party elections, in first round of voting, you vote for whoever you want. That narrows down the field to 2 people. Then you vote for one of the two in second round of voting. This tends to prevent fringe from getting in.

In the US, it is not suppose to be the president you vote for, but for the Electoral Collage. Then these people decide who is the president. Of course, it is kind of completely broken now and direct elections may be better than current implementation. Electoral College actually make it possible to win with minority vote anyway. No 'powerful friends' required for cheating.

Re:Ahh yes, the "benefits" of tax fed governments.

[Detritus]

I was under the impression that political parties in parliamentary systems expect MPs to vote the party line, except for the rare "free vote". An MP who votes against his party is likely to be off his party's list in the next election.