ISPs To Provide Mandatory Internet Filtering

On 31 December 2008, the Federal Government announced that it would be discontinuing the NetAlert internet filtering program established by the previous government. The government will now require Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement a new mandatory internet filtering system. In promoting the new system, much focus has been placed on the system's ability to effectively block access to websites containing material offensive to children, including child pornography and cyber-bullying. However, the Government's plans have been met with some criticism, particularly by those concerned with the level of censorship that could be imposed by the system.

The previous NetAlert system was an optional filtering program available for free download. If they wished, parents could download the program and use it in conjunction with any other internet filters or other security programs installed on their computer. The idea of the NetAlert initiative was to allow parents to