Aussies Hit the Streets Over Gov't Internet Filters

mask.of.sanity writes "Outraged aussies will hold simultaneous protests across Australia in opposition to the government's plans for mandatory ISP internet content filtering. The plan will introduce nation-wide filtered internet using blacklists operated by a government agency, away from public scrutiny. Politicians and ISPs will join protesters in the streets to voice their opposition to the government's plan, which has ploughed ahead, despite intense criticism that the technology will crippled internet speeds and infringe on free speech. Opponents said the most accurate filter chosen by the government will incorrectly block up to 10,000 Web pages out of 1 million."

Comments

Wow, taking to the streets huh?

[Henry V .009]

Once you're done with the free speech wankfest:

• This level of censorship will have zero practical effect on political speech.
• Many, if not most, of the people upset about it use the internet to look up pornography and break copyright law — two activities with no socially redeeming aspect.
• If you disagree with the last statement, you have let your brains dribble out your ears. I'm not going to argue with your tortured, whiny, refutations.
• Although free political speech is a useful good, it is not infinitely good. Democracy is the modern religion, and is just as silly as worshipping Zeus ever was. Limits on (usually non-political) speech should be considered and imposed when they make sense, as they often do.