Fetching updates...Free Speech Watch: Gagging in Australia
December 18, 2009
According to The Australian, "Legislation to be introduced next year will require internet service providers to implement a mandatory filter that will block all overseas and locally hosted internet content that has been refused classification by the Classification Board. There will be a 12-month implementation process before the filter is switched on."
Global media are reacting negatively, comparing Australia to China, although Australia would join several other European countries already restricting internet freedoms.The United Kingdom is once again pursuing more restrictive rules.
Other recent censorship news involving Australia from the Asian Correspondent:
"Australia was accused of censorship after it denied visas to North Korean artists invited to a rare international exhibition of their work, saying their studio is a propaganda tool of their country’s communist government."
"Indonesia has banned a movie that depicts its troops murdering five Australia-based newsmen to keep secret an attack on East Timor in 1975."