Australia Announces Free Porn-Filtering Software

CANBERRA, Australia — Having explored a number of options to keep minors safe from Internet pornography, the Australian government has decided to issue filtering software free of charge to its 6 million Internet users.

Communications Minister Helen Coonan will launch the initiative with federal money by further funding NetAlert, the country’s online safety agency. However, the government, which does not wish to endorse any single software maker, plans to create a list of approved software companies from which the public can choose.

In March, Australia’s Labor Party called for a general ban at the Internet service provider-level of all pornographic sites. Claiming that nearly two-thirds of Australian homes had failed to install filtering software because of lack of technical savvy, Labor Party Leader Kim Beazley urged the government to subsidize software to help parents block their children’s access to pornography.

While the ISP-level filtering system ultimately stalled because government studies predicted that it would dramatically slow national Internet traffic, Tasmania has begun such an experiment at the insistence of Liberal Sen. Guy Barnett, who introduced the legislation to Coonan.

Regardless of the outcome of that experiment, Coonan, among others in the Australian government, believes that subsidized filtering software for families will likely be the only practical solution to keep children away from Internet pornography.

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

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Show More