Calls for action on internet porn

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 28 July 2013.

British Prime Minister David Cameron announced this week that internet service providers will be required to block householders’ access to online pornography unless they ask to receive it.

Mr Cameron warned that “poisonous” websites were “corroding childhood,” and that the government had neglected its responsibility to children by not acting sooner.

In Australia, last year, Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy reneged on an election promise to introduce a mandatory ISP clean feed service that would block illegal material, despite government trials showing it worked without slowing down the internet.

Australian Christian Lobby Managing Director Lyle Shelton said parents were looking for clear and trustworthy commitments from government, and genuine action to protect children online.

In the battle between freedom and censorship, and in a commercially competitive environment, the needs and rights of children are often overlooked.  It remains to be seen whether the Australian government has the moral will to follow Britain’s lead.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.