With the Internet Filter It’s Not 2009, It’s 1984

Activism

When we normally think of technology, we think of innovation, progress, growth. But in recent months we have been asked to start re-thinking this … Senator Stephen Conroy’s internet filter is playing into the populist mindset in a way that is reminiscent of the shameful “Children Overboard” affair. By positioning the internet filter as a way of combating illegal downloads and child pornography, the government is creating a mechanism for censorship that will:

  • Impact our freedom of speech and self expression
  • Inadvertently block 1 in 12 websites
  • Slow our internet speeds by up to 80% (imagine what this is like in the bush)

It reminds me of George Orwell’s 1984 — think surveillance. Think rules. Think Big Brother (the TV show) on a mass scale. Rallies are being held in Australian capital cities on December 13. Vote with your feet.


But on a lighter note, Caitlin Hill asks “how important is the internet to you?”. Just think, if you are HAPPY to live a life in slow motion (remember your download speed will be cut by 80%), then start getting used to … waiting.

Of course, as Gizmodo reports, now that Telstra Bigpond have decided not to participate, one wonders how accurate this trial will be after all. If you have not already done so, please sign the petition here.

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3 thoughts on “With the Internet Filter It’s Not 2009, It’s 1984”

  1. I completely agree. Our company provides filtered internet for school districts – but you’re talking about filtered internet for private citizens. It’s amazing what liberties we’re willing to slowly say goodbye to in the name of something decent. Governmental regulation is like a slow-moving noose around our necks.
    Justin Davis
    Disclaimer: Author does not represent the official position of Lightspeed Systems, which solely provides internet filter support to K – 12 institutions.

  2. Thanks Justin … like anything, it’s a matter of how much knowledge you have about the current situation and where things may be heading. Why would we want to put a limit on our future productivity or creativity? Crazy!

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