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15 February 2010 Effective action for a safer internet needed, says ALIA[ pdf 132KB ] The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has joined with the Inspire Foundation, Google and Yahoo! to again urge Senator Conroy to rethink his ISP internet filtering plan. They are today issuing a joint statement to support this call, titled 'Core Principles for Effective Action for a Safer Internet.' http://www.alia.org.au/internetfiltering "The Australian Library and Information Association has a responsibility to the Australian community to protect the free flow of information for all," said ALIA Executive Director, Sue Hutley. "The research, including results from the Government's own trials, also shows there are massive technical issues to be overcome and that the current proposal will block legitimate and important information, along with the Refused Classification material the Minister is targeting," Ms Hutley said. "We are not against illegal material being blocked, and we never have been," she said. "But we believe there can be a better solution and so we are calling on the Government to review the current plans with a view to creating a better strategy for effective action. "That strategy will include education, policing and the application of technology to be effective, but not the blanket style of ISP filtering that has been shown to trap legitimate information and adversely affect valid internet access and performance." The joint statement released today follows individual submissions from the participating organisations to the Government's consultation on Refused Classification material. "It is vital to achieve a policy and practice that protects children but does not stifle free access to information. "ALIA and Australian libraries will continue to work with the Government to assist in creating a safer internet environment. There's now a body of research and international practice Australia can look to for input to our internet safety strategy. "We feel that the proposed plan will bring a false sense of security to the Australian public in regards to internet safety, so that's why we are directing our support for national cybersafety education and increased funding for policing," she said. ENDS
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