Australians Plan Demonstrations Against Net Filters

CANBERRA, Australia — Australia's Digital Liberty Coalition has planned rallies in state capital cities nationwide on Saturday to show opposition to the government's Internet censorship plans. Demonstrations are planned for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra.

"The problem is not with the concept of protecting children. In fact [Communications Minister Sen. Stephen] Conroy has been adamant at dismissing all criticisms of his filter by alluding that the critic clearly has a stash of child porn hidden away," said Jasmine, one of the DLC's national organizers. "But in fact it is mandatory, restricts adults to material only suitable for MA15 audiences and filters out political communication of whatever is deemed 'hate' literature by the government in power at the time. There are no checks or balances in place in the legislation to prevent future abuses of this filter to infringe more on the human rights of all Australians."

The DLC said that turnout is expected to exceed 15,000 nationally. Speakers scheduled to appear at the rallies include members of Amnesty International, academics from various state and national Universities, board members from Electronic Frontiers Australia, and Fiona Patten, CEO of Australian adult industry trade group The Eros Association.

"The opposition to the filter is growing daily here," Patten told XBIZ. "Unfortunately what I think will happen is that they will relax parts of the filter, but adult X-rated material will still be lumped in with child porn and blacklisted. To me this weakens sanctions on child porn, as people will be asked to consider child porn on the same level as 'Debbie Does Dallas.' This argument goes for that ludicrous decision on the Simpsons 'child porn.'

"Our decisions regarding electronic media in Australia are becoming embarrassing."

For more information about the protests, visit NoCensorship.info.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More