Should parents or the state filter the Internet?

#904 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 8 Jun 2014.

Family Voice Australia spokesperson Peter Stevens points to new research suggesting a link between exposure to pornography and smaller brain size as another reason why the Australian government should introduce Internet Service Provider filters to block access to harmful sites.

Opponents of ISP filtering claim that:

• ISP filtering can’t be done;
• or if it can be done, it would slow down the internet; and
• it is parents’ responsibility to stop children viewing harmful material.

“These objections are invalid,” Pastor Stevens said. “Each year we see new and better filters being developed … In the UK, internet service providers are now required to provide filters with ‘on’ as the default.  All new mobile phones are also expected to have porn filters.

“Parents cannot control what other students show their children. The federal government has ultimate responsibility for the internet. He says there is no reason why Australia cannot follow the UK’s example.

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