Internet Filtering and its Effects

In December of this year, during the Christmas break when people won’t be paying too much attention the process of ISP-Level Internet Content Filtering, will begin testing in Australia. Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy has stated that the filter that will block illegal sites and those deemed unsuitable for minors will be “mandatory” for all Australians. The new filtering system is not 100% accurate yet, will slow down the internet by up to 87% and will incorrectly block legitimate content. The ISP level filtering will also increase costs for consumers as the ISP’s will face increased costs due to the steps required in filtering web based content which will then be passed onto consumers. The filtering may stop illegal websites however it also fails to take into account other means of sharing information and content, through MSN and P2P networking.