Australia recently launched a plan to clean up the Internet by spending $89 million on a porn filter that’s already been beaten by kids. The plan also mandates that ISPs filter offensive material at the source. Mirroring a similar push here in the States, ISPs are also being pressured to identify piracy on the networks, send letters to offending users and then throttle connections and cancel accounts:

The ISP would then send those customers a letter directing them to an information site “to educate people that this activity is illegal, that it’s not anonymous.” Repeat offenders would have their access speeds slowed and, ultimately, their internet service disconnected “if they continue to flagrantly engage in illegal activity.” emphasis added

Australian ISPs are concerned about the cost of such a plan, and also fear they’re being turned into Internet watchdogs that will ultimately be held legally liable for the actions of Internet users.
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