Slashdot Mirror
Australian ISPs Soon To Become Copyright Cops
srjh writes "In the Australian Federal Government's latest assault on the internet, draft legislation has been released that allows network operators to intercept communications to ensure that their networks are being 'appropriately used.' Such legislation is particularly important given the interference of Communications Minister Stephen Conroy in a recent copyright lawsuit against iiNet, one of the largest ISPs in the country. Conroy called prominent filtering opponent iiNet's inaction over copyright infringement 'stunning,' whereas iiNet claimed that it would be illegal under current Australian law to intercept its users' downloads. While this latest legislation appears to be a concession of that point, the government is said to be watching the case closely and along with attempts to introduce a three-strikes law in Australia, it appears the law will be changed if the government dislikes the outcome of the case. The internet villain of the year just continues to earn his title."
Rudd and Conroy are secretly in love with China.
Much like how in the 1920's and 1930's the western "elites" including Churchill and Rockefeller were openly in love with the Fascists and their magical economies and tightly bound and strictly regimented states, Rudd and Co similarly see China as an amazing combination of state power and industry. They see themselves allying this country closely with the coming super power and in typical low self esteemed Australian fashion (among international political circles) will emulate the big kid as much as possible. Howard did the same thing; doing everything he could to turn Australia into a carbon copy of the US as he was embarrassed internationally by our apathy towards making this country an economic power house as he and his friends wish that it would become. Rudd's doing the same but with China which far more satisfies his idealogical leanings (a career politician certainly doesn't keep themselves fluent in Mandarin for no reason).
Stuff like this is just the beginning of the top down "re-adjustment" of Australia from a country heavily influenced by American and British political values to Asian.
Dark days ahead for Australia.