I stumbled across a very apt blog post this morning in regards to what is becoming “our” internet filtering debacle, from Zoe Beaumont’s Naked Girl Blogs.
| The Dirty Deed Of Australia’s “Clean Feed” Mandatory Internet Filter |
It is important to understand the “persecute the many to prosecute the few” concept that she raises, and which I find to be actually very apt – you just need understand the context in which the word “persecute” is used in this instance.
The proposed internet filter WILL have an effect on all internet users in Australia – you may not individually directly notice the effect, because more than likely, you are not seeking to view the material the filter is seeking to block.
But the costs to you – (in terms of the operational costs of the filter passed onto to you by your ISP, and the drop in speed – despite what Conroy will tell you) – are real.
In this context, the “persecution” we will suffer is that this internet filter will operate under the assumption that everyone is out there searching for kiddie porn – (or bestiality, or whatever Conroy is into this week). This assumption imposes a degradation – (performance, usability) – upon the internet, even if you’re not searching for this rubbish.
Ask yourself when was the last time you accidentally stumbled upon ANY kind of porn on the internet?
Never?
This demonstrates the minute scale/scope on which the filter will have any real effect on its stated goals. We will all suffer (read: be persecuted) due to a tiny problem as identified by a small, influential lobby group, with no understanding or acceptance of the real problem.
The real problem is that kiddie porn is PRODUCED – not that it is available. Although not ideal, its “availability” makes it easier to track down whoever PRODUCED it, because the trail is there for authorities to follow.