It looks like the nanny state of Great Britain is wending its way into one of its “colonies.”
GREEN LIGHT FOR INTERNET FILTER PLANS
The Federal Government will introduce compulsory internet filtering to block overseas sites which contain criminal content, including child sex abuse and sexual violence. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announced the changes today following a controversial trial to filter the internet which was conducted earlier this year. Senator Conroy says some internet content is simply not suitable in a civilised society.
“It is important that all Australians, particularly young children, are protected from this material,” he said. “The Government believes that parents want assistance to reduce the risk of children being exposed to such material.”
This would include sites containing child sex abuse, bestiality, sexual violence or detailed information about how to use drugs [emphasis mine] or commit crimes.
Ah, yes—it’s always about “protecting” the children. It used to be said that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. I’ve updated that observation for the 21st century: Protecting the children is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
[Thanks to Mark Fee]
9:21 am on December 15, 2009