Australia Offers Parents Filtering Software

SYDNEY — As of Monday, Australian parents will be able to download filters designed to block children from accessing adult content on the Internet. Parents also can order the filtering program on CD and a hotline offering advice on how to manage Internet safety also will be operational.

The filtering technology is part of a $189 million initiative being implemented under the auspices of NetAlert, which is Australia’s Internet safety advisory commission. There has been speculation that the initiative is part of a campaign by Prime Minister John Howard and the conservative Coalition parties to appeal to Christian voters. In a webcast broadcast last week to 700 churches and an estimated 100,000 church members, Howard explained the economic breakdown of the Protecting Australian Families Online program.

$71.8 million dollars is to go to the filtering program available for use in private homes and public libraries across Australia. Parents can choose to install the filters on their PCs or call their ISP providers to request a “clean” connection, which would block pornographic content at the ISP level, though the government anticipated it would take time for ISP providers to put the plan into action. The government has examined ISP filtering three times since 1999.

The Australian Communications and Media (ACMA) is planning an ISP filtering trial in Tasmania, the success of which will determine the government’s implementation of that part of the initiative.

The government also will post a list of all approved filtering software on its website, and had also mandated that sanctioned software vendors keep products updated to deal with changing threats.

The Protecting Australian Families Online Program also will dedicate $18.6 million to an expanded publicity campaign that will increase public awareness and add 10 new ACMA officers who will visit schools to educate children about online safety.

The Online Child Exploitation Team will receive $36.8 million in funding to add 36 newly hired agents over the next year, bringing the a total of 90 “web police” to the agency. The funding also is in anticipation of increased prosecutions due to having more investigators on the job.

On Aug. 19, TheAge.com reported that hardcore images were viewable at several public libraries located in the cities of Stonnington, Maribyrnong, Port Phillip and Melbourne as of last week.

A recent study conducted by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) indicated that many libraries were opposed to filtering based on "experience, professional ethics and sense of purpose of libraries."

ALIA Vice President Derek Whitehead said filtering technologies often block legitimate websites and that, when implemented, libraries received almost as many complaints about ponderous filter programs as they did about offensive material.

State Library Director Sue Hamilton said various issues were raised in the argument between free access to Internet content and preventing inappropriate exposure to explicit materials. She pointed out that individuals viewing explicit content in public libraries were subject to ejection and being banned from accessing library computers.

“People have the right to free and equal access to information and that is a principle supported by our board. It's a tricky question. [Porn] is a very broad umbrella and people's tolerance of looking at material is different,” Hamilton said.

“We think the interference with people's legitimate research outweighs the not-very-effective protection that you get from the filters that are available. But I would say if we had an effective filtering system that excluded pornography we would need to consider what our position was,” Hamilton said.

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