14 September 2007

Concerns and obstacles continue for internet filtering in libraries

The Australian Library and Information Association believes that the current NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online initiative raises significant and unresolved problems for public libraries, and for the free flow of information in our communities.

Minister Coonan continues to target public libraries for 'failing' in their duty to provide standards of access that protect children from unsavoury internet content, conveniently ignoring the long-established and comprehensive policies of local governments and library services covering access to online content, our sector has always had a professional commitment to the protection of the free flow of information in our communities. There are technical difficulties that remain unresolved for the effective use of filters in networked library environments.

DCITA staff has now advised that the NetAlert website will be expanded to provide information and advice for public libraries considering filtering. Currently, the NetAlert site offers no such support.

If each of the 1700 public library locations in Australia were to truly enable a 'child friendly' terminal - just one each - a distinct and separate connection to those used by adults is required to enable security and software consistency to ensure 'unsuitable' content is filtered. ALIA and Public Libraries Australia estimate this would cost a minimum of $3.5m1 to achieve. In terms of the $189m spend on the NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online program, this is a very small amount of money. But it is money that public libraries and local governments do not have.

ALIA has repeatedly contacted the Department of Communication, Information and the Arts and the Minister to highlight issues surrounding the use of internet filters in public libraries. While ALIA supports the home PC filtering initiative, and remains willing to work with the Department to develop solutions for public libraries within the framework of our policies on online content regulation, at present the Association believes the current NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online initiative raises significant problems for public libraries and also risks endangering the free flow of information in our communities.

The Association is collating a background briefing document covering regulation and technical concerns with internet filtering. This document will be made available via the ALIA website shortly. ALIA's policy on online content and regulation, and related documents are available here.