preview

Internet Censorship Essay example

Decent Essays

Internet is one of the most powerful means of communication in the history of humankind. It brings people together and has potential sources of information as well as entertainment. Besides, it has a lot of dangers and harms for the users (especially for children). In Australia, the idea of ‘internet censorship’ began since 2003 by the Australia’s prominent think tank when researched about online habit of Australian teenagers and the dangers related to internet. This essay will discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of internet censorship plan in Australia.

The Australian internet censorship plan has some advantages. First of all, it protects children out of trouble with the daily life, online child abuse as well as pornography …show more content…

If the internet censorship plan is applied, the authorities can prevent the online crime as well as protect children out of troubles.

Besides, the Australian government’s internet censorship plan has disadvantages. First one, internet filter plan degrades the free speech for all Australian internet users. In 2007 Australian government have the third version of ‘plan for cyber-safety’ that includes a mandatory ISP-level filter (Internet Service Provider). The government has committed $125.8 million in four years for two tired filter systems. The first compulsory system is an ISP-level filter for all houses based on the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) “blacklist” of Refused Classification (RC) websites. Another one is a series of grants to encourage ISPs to offer a filter for additional content, such as X-rated pornography and gambling sites (Levin J, 2010). The RC material being caught in the filter may contain the information on topics which adults and even children may simply want to engage in some debate such as euthanasia, safe injecting procedures, abortion or even graffiti. These are grey areas in what may be considered banned material. Many opponents considered doing this would attack on free speech in the Australian society (Levin J, 2010). Another disadvantage is the cost of applying the internet filter plan is too high, this will affect to the internet users have to pay higher price. ISPs will have

Get Access