April Fools: Mandatory ISP filtering will block P2P
APRIL FOOLS | The federal government has shocked industry by rushing a bill through parliament that will compel ISPs to block all P2P traffic.
It is a back-flip on a promise made just weeks ago that the government would move ahead with its filtering plans using PC-based parental controls, which, at the time, it argued would provide flexibility for internet users.
"We have followed an open, consultative process in the implementation of the government's filtering policies", said the Communications Minister.
"The public has a right to a safe internet experience without having to learn how to administer complex filtering software. Introducing the filtering at an ISP level will deliver a seamless service for ordinary people."
But the big surprise is that "peer to peer" technology such as BitTorrent will also be blocked under the new laws.
"At the same time, we are taking the opportunity to meet the needs of intellectual property owners", said the statement. "'Peer-to-peer' technology is primarily used for copyright infringement, so proactive blocking will not affect legitimate Australian internet users."
Under the scheme, the government will subsidise the cost of filtering hardware for ISPs, which must be in place by July 1. The hardware is said to combat all current P2P mechanisms, including so-called "encrypted P2P".
But there remains a concern that browsing in Australia could slow to a crawl, now that all traffic would need to pass through new filtering points. Responding to criticisms of the plan, a DCITA spokesperson said extensive consultation had been conducted with major networking vendors experienced with similar systems overseas.
LINKS |
It is a back-flip on a promise made just weeks ago that the government would move ahead with its filtering plans using PC-based parental controls, which, at the time, it argued would provide flexibility for internet users.
"We have followed an open, consultative process in the implementation of the government's filtering policies", said the Communications Minister.
"The public has a right to a safe internet experience without having to learn how to administer complex filtering software. Introducing the filtering at an ISP level will deliver a seamless service for ordinary people."
But the big surprise is that "peer to peer" technology such as BitTorrent will also be blocked under the new laws.
"At the same time, we are taking the opportunity to meet the needs of intellectual property owners", said the statement. "'Peer-to-peer' technology is primarily used for copyright infringement, so proactive blocking will not affect legitimate Australian internet users."
Under the scheme, the government will subsidise the cost of filtering hardware for ISPs, which must be in place by July 1. The hardware is said to combat all current P2P mechanisms, including so-called "encrypted P2P".
But there remains a concern that browsing in Australia could slow to a crawl, now that all traffic would need to pass through new filtering points. Responding to criticisms of the plan, a DCITA spokesperson said extensive consultation had been conducted with major networking vendors experienced with similar systems overseas.
LINKS |
- Media Release (DCITA, 31 Mar 2007)
- Catch ISPs with pants down (Sunday Times, 31 Mar 2007)
- Industry slams censorship call (Whirlpool, 5 Oct 2004)
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