Australian gov't to block inappropriate ISP traffic

21.03.2006
Labor announced on Tuesday it will force Internet service providers (ISPs) to block violent and pornographic material.

If Labor wins the next federal election, it will introduce a policy that involves banning international Web sites.

Under the policy, announced by Opposition Leader Kim Beazley today, international Web sites would be banned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority if they contained graphic sexual or violent material, rated R or higher.

The bans would be maintained by ISPs.

The policy aims to protect the two-thirds of Australian households where no internet filters are in place.

Beazley said it was "too hard" for many parents to install Internet blockers on their computers to prevent offensive material being downloaded.

"The ISP provider can cut it off; they (websites) can be controlled by Australian law and they (ISPs) can control them at the point at which they enter the country," he said.

In the past, Labor has called on the federal government to provide free Internet blockers to all Australian households.