NationStates Jolt Archive

Hi everyone,
This may be one of my last posts here:

The Australian Federal Government is pushing forward with a plan to force Internet Service Providers [ISPs] to censor the Internet for all Australians. This plan will waste tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and slow down Internet access.

Despite being almost universally condemned by the public, ISPs, State Governments, Media and censorship experts, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is determined to force this filter into being.

Unfortunatly, I have just found out that the black list of inaccesible sites is to include Nationstates and Jolt forums.

I have realised this after stumbling across one of the leaked site blacklists. I am not allowed to post it(the link to the blacklist) here however because it is apparently illegal and can expose myself and Jolt and Max to litigation and even criminal prosecution by the Australian Government. ($11,000/day fines!)

So, before we all 'cease to exist' in the NS sense, I encourage you to assist in the nocleanfeed protests!

If you want more information about the filter: http://www.nocleanfeed.com/learn.html

Wait, what? Are you serious?

Why would the list be secret? :confused:

Why would the list be secret? :confused:

Perhaps because the site that contains the list of blacklisted websites is blacklisted itself? Boggles the mind.

You have my support and sympathy. I'm going to spread this around some other forums.

Why would the list be secret? :confused:

"[...]inappropriate language and frequent sexual innuendos".

That's completely nonsensical, blacklisting websites, but not providing the public with the list so they know what is prohibited... ridiculous.

isnt max barry from australia?

"[...]inappropriate language and frequent sexual innuendos".

That's not what I mean. I know why NationStates is on the list. And I'm proud of myself. :cool:

What I mean is why would the Australian government be keeping the list of blacklisted websites such a well guarded secret that posting it or a link to it constitutes a fineable offense? It's very odd.

That is, plain and simple, an epic fail of the extreme variety. Max is an Australian author. Jennifer Government is set in Australia. Australia rocks.

WHAT THE @#%& ARE THEY THNKING? ARE THEY OUT OF THEIR &%$#@#$ MINDS?

Did I mention the "epic fail" bit?

Oh, and by the way, w00t! 11,000 posts!

isnt max barry from australia?

He is also a ebil terrorist who spreads filthy lies via 'books' and other terroristic devices, like the internet.

awww we'll miss you so much. maybe you should move to new zealand or use a proxy server.

awww we'll miss you so much. maybe you should move to new zealand or use a proxy server.

If it was not against the terms of use for my currant private ISP I was thinking about configuring my ASA for SSL vpn's to allow our Australian friends the ability to continue being with us

awww we'll miss you so much. maybe you should move to new zealand or use a proxy server.
This is serious though. I know NSG can exist without me, but vice versa?

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sad/1361.gif

Why would the list be secret? :confused:

I have no idea :S

but when wikileaks leaked it: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/19/2520591.htm

Same with Whirlpool when one of the forum members linked to it:
http://apcmag.com/whirlpool-threatened-by-govt-over-blacklist.htm

This is serious though. I know NSG can exist without me, but vice versa?

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sad/1361.gif
im just glad that max made the deal with jolt so the rest of us can continue on here.

sucks to be you.

A small number of us tried to fight against this filter but we were labelled as advocates of child porn, paedophiles, criminals, and once or twice, that dreaded T word. As a result the media and general public are in favour of the filter.

Goodbye internet! So long and thanks for all the lulz. :)

Revolution!

Obviously this is phase one of Australia becoming a communist fascist hippy dictatorship.

In seriousness though, this sucks and blows. Hopefully that jackass won't be able to push the bill through and if he does then I can sense nothing but a huge amount of backlash.

Stephen Conroy knows the truth we all shy away from: information yearns to be controlled!

What I mean is why would the Australian government be keeping the list of blacklisted websites such a well guarded secret that posting it or a link to it constitutes a fineable offense? It's very odd.

Because the government doesn't want people to know exactly what they are censoring. So they can claim they are doing it to stop child porn and place whatever they want on the list without telling us and that way it makes us harder for us to speak out against us.

In the government's mind anyone who is against this censorship is a supporter of child porn despite the list which is also going to contain sites that supports euthanasia and talks about anorexia.

The best explaination I can give, is that the Australian government doesn't want the blacklisted roster to be leaked until after its actually passed. They do that sometimes so the government can CLAIM they're doing one thing, when infact they're doing another.

That aside, looks like Australia is going the way of the police state too. How sad. :(

*ponders the possibility that it may be April Fools Day in Australia already*

Im skepitcal of your claim.

Out of curiosity I hunted down the apparent source of the leaks and reviewed them all

In no list that I have been able to find have I been able to find any part of nationstates.net or jolt.co.uk

While it does look like Australia has indeed threatened a fine for sites posting the content it also appears that they have not followed through so far

*checks date*

Hmmm...

Revolution!

Obviously this is phase one of Australia becoming a communist fascist hippy dictatorship.

In seriousness though, this sucks and blows. Hopefully that jackass won't be able to push the bill through and if he does then I can sense nothing but a huge amount of backlash.
you might have to update your signature aswell...

There has been a huge amount of public back lash. The Labor Government pushed it through anyway ignoring everyones concerns.

The media, the opposition, expert groups and most of the general public have condemned it. Even members of the Labor party that proposed it have publicly expressed their disagreement.

Im skepitcal of your claim.

Yeah I have reviewed public postings of this blacklist and have not found nationstates nor jolt domains as any part of it

*checks date*

Hmmm...

This. Either that or fear mongering.

*ponders the possibility that it may be April Fools Day in Australia already*

Yeah, that is a good point, the list I saw didn't mention either of these sites, however, the internet censorship plan is a very real thing that the Federal government is going to go ahead with.

Neither jolt.co.uk nor nationstates.net are on the blacklist.

I have no idea :S

but when wikileaks leaked it: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/19/2520591.htm

Same with Whirlpool when one of the forum members linked to it:
http://apcmag.com/whirlpool-threatened-by-govt-over-blacklist.htm

This displeases me.

*begins making plans*

This. Either that or fear mongering.
No, it's not fear mongering. This sort of thing is not something you can put beyond the Australian government. From time to time when an issue gets sufficient public attention of the right kind, the complete lack of any sort of libertarian movements or tendencies throughout Australia's history means that politicians here sometimes have no problems with pushing through things that are just plain outrageous (http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/img/2005/ep34/advice.pdf).

*ponders the possibility that it may be April Fools Day in Australia already*

*checks date*

Hmmm...

I have no idea :S

but when wikileaks leaked it: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/19/2520591.htm

Same with Whirlpool when one of the forum members linked to it:
http://apcmag.com/whirlpool-threatened-by-govt-over-blacklist.htm

*takes a closer look at the links*

*ponders the possibility that it may be April Fools Day in Australia already*

I suspect the same. It would be on the front page of damn near every newspaper if a "free" nation decided to start wholesale restrictions on the net.

Wow, this is no April fools....

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24568137-2862,00.html

Wow Lapse. I'm sorry. Your government is way over it's head.

I suspect the same. It would be on the front page of damn near every newspaper if a "free" nation decided to start wholesale restrictions on the net.

http://www.overclockers.com.au/wiki/Australian_Internet_Filtering#Media_Coverage

I suspect the same. It would be on the front page of damn near every newspaper if a "free" nation decided to start wholesale restrictions on the net.
It is (http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/index/id/59). Just not American or European newspapers, because let's face it, there isn't much of an audience for what happens in Australia.

Fact: this internet filter is coming.

Fact: ISPs are by law required to comply.

Fact: The list exists, and trying to publish it will get you into trouble.

Questionable: NSG is on the list.

No, it's not fear mongering. This sort of thing is not something you can put beyond the Australian government. From time to time when an issue gets sufficient public attention of the right kind, the complete lack of any sort of libertarian movements or tendencies throughout Australia's history means that politicians here sometimes have no problems with pushing through things that are just plain outrageous (http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/img/2005/ep34/advice.pdf).

No, I dont doubt the existance of the law, I doubt that Jolt or NSG would be on it. We have a poster here from a far more oppressive regime here. If he can get on Jolt I cant imagine why Australia would ban it.

I suspect the same. It would be on the front page of damn near every newspaper if a "free" nation decided to start wholesale restrictions on the net.

No they are doing it ... nationstates and jolt may not be on that list but they are doing things like restricting legal adult pictures, some wikipedia pages.

Its starting primarily with blocking some pretty disgusting sites so far but it appears from just some of the more benign links that it has already expanded beyond trying to filter illegal pornographic content

Whether NS is or is not on the list, I plan on leading protest rallies against it.

*blushes*

As soon as I get back into Australia, that is. I'm currently stuck in the US until at least mid-May, and my current date of departure is mid-June.

Regardless of whether NSG is on the list (I doubt it) Im actually shocked and sickened that this is happening in a democratic government.

you might have to update your signature aswell...

There has been a huge amount of public back lash. The Labor Government pushed it through anyway ignoring everyones concerns.

The media, the opposition, expert groups and most of the general public have condemned it. Even members of the Labor party that proposed it have publicly expressed their disagreement.

I've been really disappointed at the lack of media coverage actually. The little I have seen has been very light-on, and the only significant TV coverage I saw was some christian guy and some policeman on one of those current affairs shows last year praising the filter.

No, I dont doubt the existance of the law, I doubt that Jolt or NSG would be on it.
I think the problem is that the government wouldn't have a clue which sites to block. And even the ISPs can't check every bit of data manually, so it would have to be automated, which means errors can happen.

And Australian politicians are, as I said, with the exception of the Greens, of the opinion that it is better to ban something that is not harmful than not to ban something that is. The scary thing is that if you actually live here, a joke like this is actually believable.

April 1st, 2009.

OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE.

No, I dont doubt the existance of the law, I doubt that Jolt or NSG would be on it. We have a poster here from a far more oppressive regime here. If he can get on Jolt I cant imagine why Australia would ban it.

Because Jolt has child porn on it.

Not really but if it ever makes it onto the secret list that will be the reason for it.

IIRC the poster is NAS, now different governments may have different things, he might be able to get on sites that promote euthanasia while with this plan some of these will be banned.

Lapse, I just wanna start by saying that I've sent my local member a few letters and emails, and actually managed to get a response from both him AND from Conroy. It was completely underwhelming, just re-iterating talking points mostly. I also joined in the public protests against this.

That being said, the government CAN'T make it happen. This isn't a tax, where they can make it happen before legislation. All they can do is run their tests, get their findings, re-jig them to suit their needs, then present them to the Senate. But the Greens will NEVER support this, and with the current obstinance of the Opposition they simply don't have the numbers.

What scares me is that it's a possibility the government will call an early election to try and get rid of Fielding and some Lib senators. This frightens me because most of the country doesn't realise the benefits of having the Senate in opposition, or better yet, 3rd party hands. And given the current economic state, the greens might lose support, Fielding could go (thank christ for that) and given the government's popularity, a few Lib/nats could go. If Labour scores just six more senate seats, then they'll have enough of a presence in the senate to push this through, considering they've already got Xenophon on-side.

I've not seen anyone anywhere say that NSG will be off-limits. Just child-porn websites, euthanasia sites, pro-anorexia sites, x-rated porn sites, anti-Labour sites... I want to hear Errunderia and Ard have a say on this, E is at least in the political sphere somewhat. Also, Insight (a public debate program on SBS) is talking about this issue in their latest episode. Well worth a watch I should imagine.

For those with a tl;dr frame of mind: Not happening yet, but may in the future if this issue doesn't get enough public acknowledgement. Also, my senate maths is probably wrong, I'll go try and fix it now.

It is (http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/index/id/59). Just not American or European newspapers, because let's face it, there isn't much of an audience for what happens in Australia.

Fact: this internet filter is coming.

Fact: ISPs are by law required to comply.

Fact: The list exists, and trying to publish it will get you into trouble.

Questionable: NSG is on the list.

I say get the dynamite ready and get your own Guy Fawkes day down under.

April 1st, 2009.

OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE.
did you also tell the other kids that there is no santa when you were 7?

Australia is going to become like China without the food.


Is there no way of stopping this filter at all? Proxy's and the like? There has to be some way?

did you also tell the other kids that there is no santa when you were 7?

If I'dve known I probably would have.

Look, I think regardless of whether the whole NSG being banned is a joke, the internet filter is not a laughing matter.

I've been really disappointed at the lack of media coverage actually. The little I have seen has been very light-on, and the only significant TV coverage I saw was some christian guy and some policeman on one of those current affairs shows last year praising the filter.

And it will be BS today-tonight or ACA (whichever it was) that will talk about how good it is that will get the morons who watch these shows (a large amount of people) that will speak in favour for it.

April 1st, 2009.

OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE.

Yes tha may be true for NS and Jolt, but the internet filter to censor sites the government doesn't want us to see is by no means an Aprils fools prank.

did you also tell the other kids that there is no santa when you were 7?

Except that here, we actually do have a santa. A bad santa. His name is Compulsory ISP Level Filtering. Clunky name, I know, but his parents were nutjobs.

You know, this is the worst possible day for any problem, catastrophe or disaster to occur. I'm really glad It's still March 31st here.

Which reminds me, I better start getting ready; I have a fun night planned. :)

Aussies, this is what you do.


Riot.

I say get the dynamite ready and get your own Guy Fawkes day down under.
You're probably breaking our sedition laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition_in_Australia).

Which would probably mean that NSG could qualify to make the filter now.

Australia is going to become like China without the food.


Is there no way of stopping this filter at all? Proxy's and the like? There has to be some way?

Well, you could just send your kiddie-porn through p2p filesharing services which, last time I checked, weren't covered by this filter. But don't tell the government this... it bursts their police-state bubble.

Yeah yeah, very funny.

You're probably breaking our sedition laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition_in_Australia).

Which would probably mean that NSG could qualify to make the filter now.

I had no idea your government was so...whats the word Im looking for?

Well, you could just send your kiddie-porn through p2p filesharing services which, last time I checked, weren't covered by this filter. But don't tell the government this... it bursts their police-state bubble.

Kiddie porn is not cool. However getting music for free is.

Kiddie porn is not cool. However getting music for free is.

That was kinda what I was getting at... there IS a way for people to get around this filter, which is what you asked. It renders this filter totally useless. I'm sorry if I'm not really jokey about this, but as you can see, the Australians here aren't taking this as a joke. It's fucking serious.

That being said, the government CAN'T make it happen. This isn't a tax, where they can make it happen before legislation. All they can do is run their tests, get their findings, re-jig them to suit their needs, then present them to the Senate. But the Greens will NEVER support this, and with the current obstinance of the Opposition they simply don't have the numbers.

They will want to get rid of non government senators and with the current public support thanks to the 2 grand people just got off them they would be able to get those six seats they need. Conroy just got elected at the last election and as such will not be up for re-election till the election after next.

What scares me is that it's a possibility the government will call an early election to try and get rid of Fielding and some Lib senators. This frightens me because most of the country doesn't realise the benefits of having the Senate in opposition, or better yet, 3rd party hands. And given the current economic state, the greens might lose support, Fielding could go (thank christ for that) and given the government's popularity, a few Lib/nats could go. If Labour scores just six more senate seats, then they'll have enough of a presence in the senate to push this through, considering they've already got Xenophon on-side.

Xenophon is a prick, it is the morons who listen to ACA and the like and think that this censorship is good is why he managed to get 20% of the vote at the last election.

They will want to get rid of non government senators and with the current public support thanks to the 2 grand people just got off them they would be able to get those six seats they need. Conroy just got elected at the last election and as such will not be up for re-election till the election after next.

Actually you may be right about not getting through the Senate, Greens won't vote for it and Liberal won't though I fear some of the "L" liberals might Senator Fielding will be for it I'm sure.

What I mean is why would the Australian government be keeping the list of blacklisted websites such a well guarded secret that posting it or a link to it constitutes a fineable offense? It's very odd.

So they can deny that they're copying China.

I had no idea your government was so...whats the word Im looking for?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illiberal_democracy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illiberal_democracy

I was going to say "repressive", but if you want to get technically...:p

Well, you could just send your kiddie-porn through p2p filesharing services which, last time I checked, weren't covered by this filter. But don't tell the government this... it bursts their police-state bubble.
A service like Tor would work as well. The filtering scheme will be easy to break for those who really want to, but we'd still have to live through the incredible amount of lag that would make most online activities that we take for granted now near-impossible. Any site with flash ads will be problematic... *looks at jolt*

Xenophon is a prick, it is the morons who listen to ACA and the like and think that this censorship is good is why he managed to get 20% of the vote at the last election.

They will want to get rid of non government senators and with the current public support thanks to the 2 grand people just got off them they would be able to get those six seats they need. Conroy just got elected at the last election and as such will not be up for re-election till the election after next.

Actually you may be right about not getting through the Senate, Greens won't vote for it and Liberal won't though I fear some of the "L" liberals might Senator Fielding will be for it I'm sure.

Nah, the Libs'll hold their party-line anti-everything-the-government-does stance to a T. They have to now. This isn't going anywhere... yet. If they call an early election though, which isn't such a stupid idea for them...

We're in trouble.

(also, I'd like to keep partisan politics out of this. I'm generally a Labour supporter, but I'm as pissed off about this as anything. In fact, it might turn me into a dreaded single-issue voter. You know, the kind that got Xenophon elected for his "no pokies" thing...)

You're probably breaking our sedition laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition_in_Australia).

Which would probably mean that NSG could qualify to make the filter now.

So whats next? They get all the books together and have a Fahrenheit 451 style burning?

Australia is going to become like China without the food.

Well our PM is a sinophile.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uv3hfMG_RUE/SRz252J4vGI/AAAAAAAAAyE/JIE-GMkYcvk/s400/n1049511238_30174190_9057.jpg

http://images.smh.com.au/2009/02/18/388080/auschinaflag65-90x60.jpg

And just for good measure this is what I may soon see.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jZxpDOhengc/SSWw3Ty5EOI/AAAAAAAABJc/CMy-Xa9Qus8/S1600-R/rudd84.jpg

Is there no way of stopping this filter at all? Proxy's and the like? There has to be some way?

If it goes through I hope someone does find out how.

For the record:

The filter is a real possibility. They are starting to trial it this month on several ISPs (including Optus which is one of the biggest ones)

I doubt NS or Jolt is on the black list. I have not actually looked at any of these black lists.

However, The abuse of this filter is a real possibility, while its' effectiveness is next to none.
The people that are after kiddie porn are not going to be deterred by a filter than only blocks http. In this thread alone there have been 3 easy practical suggestions of ways to get around it! It will however limit the general publics use.

For those that aren't sure, the filter is comprised of 2 components: A blacklist, and a live feed monitoring system.
The live feed monitor will look at sites as they are been accessed and block them if it thinks that they are potentially illegal. Computers are not going to be always able to judge whether something is a child porn site, or a discussion about how bad a child porn site is. So, a completely civil discussion on this forum, on things such as abortion, child sex (there have been threads on it in the past) could result in our access being denied.

Not to mention other issues: http://www.overclockers.com.au/wiki/Australian_Internet_Filtering#Issues

So, overall, wouldn't the government be better off spending the money on catching the perpetrators, rather than just making a half arsed attempt to block access to it?

I wouldn't be surprised if 4chan made it on the list.

A service like Tor would work as well. The filtering scheme will be easy to break for those who really want to, but we'd still have to live through the incredible amount of lag that would make most online activities that we take for granted now near-impossible. Any site with flash ads will be problematic... *looks at jolt*

Problematic doesn't quite cover it. What I want to know is, how does Conroy expect to maintain his "absolute minimum of 12mbps" NBN with this filter... *sighs* I hate this. Thank Jehova for the Greens.

That's completely nonsensical, blacklisting websites, but not providing the public with the list so they know what is prohibited... ridiculous.

Hardly. Don't provide the list and people don't bitch because they don't find common sites are pointlessly blocked. Like a dentist's website that was hacked once. (http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/41815/108/)

I wouldn't be surprised if 4chan made it on the list.

Almost undoubtedly.

i wouldn't be surprised if 4chan made it on the list.

"FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuu~"

For the record:

The filter is a real possibility. They are starting to trial it this month on several ISPs (including Optus which is one of the biggest ones)

I doubt NS or Jolt is on the black list. I have not actually looked at any of these black lists.

However, The abuse of this filter is a real possibility, while its' effectiveness is next to none.
The people that are after kiddie porn are not going to be deterred by a filter than only blocks http. In this thread alone there have been 3 easy practical suggestions of ways to get around it! It will however limit the general publics use.

For those that aren't sure, the filter is comprised of 2 components: A blacklist, and a live feed monitoring system.
The live feed monitor will look at sites as they are been accessed and block them if it thinks that they are potentially illegal. Computers are not going to be always able to judge whether something is a child porn site, or a discussion about how bad a child porn site is. So, a completely civil discussion on this forum, on things such as abortion, child sex (there have been threads on it in the past) could result in our access being denied.

Not to mention other issues: http://www.overclockers.com.au/wiki/Australian_Internet_Filtering#Issues

So, overall, wouldn't the government be better off spending the money on catching the perpetrators, rather than just making a half arsed attempt to block access to it?

Oh shit, Optus is doing it? I thought they'd pulled out along with Telstra. Fark. There goes my ability to use my uni's website, and, you know, do work because I'll be slowed to probably dial-up speeds...

"FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuu~"

Don't worry, they're all behind over 9000 proxies, the gov will never stop t hem.

Don't worry, they're all behind over 9000 proxies, the gov will never stop t hem.

That's why I loves them so.

I wouldn't be surprised if 4chan made it on the list.

I garuntee you it is.

Nah, the Libs'll hold their party-line anti-everything-the-government-does stance to a T. They have to now. This isn't going anywhere... yet. If they call an early election though, which isn't such a stupid idea for them...

We're in trouble.

Maybe, maybe has Fielding said anything on this matter? I can see him being in support for this. Xenophon will support it if it bans gambling sites.

(also, I'd like to keep partisan politics out of this. I'm generally a Labour supporter, but I'm as pissed off about this as anything. In fact, it might turn me into a dreaded single-issue voter. You know, the kind that got Xenophon elected for his "no pokies" thing...)

Yeah I'm sure that's something we can agree with, it's just that Xenophon is a menace. While he was originally elected into the SA LC on no pokies and still ran that on his platform at the last election it wasn't the only thing he ran with nor why he got so much support, with help from the local media and a bunch of stunts on a whole range of issues helped him get the support.

So, overall, wouldn't the government be better off spending the money on catching the perpetrators, rather than just making a half arsed attempt to block access to it?

But Lapse, how will that get more votes?

Oh shit, Optus is doing it? I thought they'd pulled out along with Telstra. Fark. There goes my ability to use my uni's website, and, you know, do work because I'll be slowed to probably dial-up speeds...

I may be wrong:
"The filtering trial will begin in April/May 2009. iiNet and Optus have applied to participate in the ISP Level filtering trial, however have maintained they are doing so to prove the inability of the system. The initial participants in the trial have been announced. The ISPs that will take place in the first stage trial are: Primus Telecommunications, Tech 2U, Webshield, OMNIconnect, Netforce and Highway 1. iiNet are in talks with the DBCDE to be included in the trial. "

you may actually be right, sorry....

Maybe, maybe has Fielding said anything on this matter? I can see him being in support for this. Xenophon will support it if it bans gambling sites.

Xenophon has already negotiated that it will block overseas gambling sites, and he's still wrangling for local gambling sites to be blocked too. But yes, he's supporting it because the government has consented to blocking any gambling site based overseas. Fielding isn't supporting it yet, but I remember reading somewhere that he said he would if it would block x-rated adult porn as well as kiddy porn.

Yeah I'm sure that's something we can agree with, it's just that Xenophon is a menace. While he was originally elected into the SA LC on no pokies and still ran that on his platform at the last election it wasn't the only thing he ran with nor why he got so much support, with help from the local media and a bunch of stunts on a whole range of issues helped him get the support.

Good point, I suppose as a South Australian you'd know more than I. I just hda a quick look into it, he's almost as much of a media whore as Fielding.

I garuntee you it is.

But do you guarantee it, BILLY MAYS STYLE?

I may be wrong:
"The filtering trial will begin in April/May 2009. iiNet and Optus have applied to participate in the ISP Level filtering trial, however have maintained they are doing so to prove the inability of the system. The initial participants in the trial have been announced. The ISPs that will take place in the first stage trial are: Primus Telecommunications, Tech 2U, Webshield, OMNIconnect, Netforce and Highway 1. iiNet are in talks with the DBCDE to be included in the trial. "

you may actually be right, sorry....

That's what I thought... Don't apologise, I'd rather make sure they aren't doing it than have it surprised onto me...

Also, I just found this, no idea how I missed it before: The government will add p2p filtering too. (http://apcmag.com/christmas_surprise_australian_government_to_trial_p2p_filters.htm)Can this work? Will it work? Will I no longer be able to download movies and music?

But do you guarantee it, BILLY MAYS STYLE?

I know this doesn't apply to the thread however did you hear Billy Mays is getting his own reality show "Pitchman"? I also heard he wants to kill Vince the Shamwow guy. He said I am going to "Sham Pow!" Vince on the Adam Carolla show. Was funny...

Xenophon has already negotiated that it will block overseas gambling sites, and he's still wrangling for local gambling sites to be blocked too. But yes, he's supporting it because the government has consented to blocking any gambling site based overseas. Fielding isn't supporting it yet, but I remember reading somewhere that he said he would if it would block x-rated adult porn as well as kiddy porn.

Yes, see this is where I really get angry, what started off as a plan to stop the sharing of child porn (which was never going to work anyway) has turned into a large list of anything that elected officials don't want people to see because it is against what they believe in (Euthanasia; ALP, Fileding), what they don't want people to see (Gambling: Xenophon, Xrated porn: Fielding) and stuff that may criticise them (Anti-ALP sites: ALP). I would have been against it anyway but it has blown well out of proportion. As Leon says there will be large public support because the government will say it is to stop child porn and the people will be for it, by the time it comes in it will be to late for people to see it for what it really is.

Good point, I suppose as a South Australian you'd know more than I. I just hda a quick look into it, he's almost as much of a media whore as Fielding.

Massive media whore, the only way to get the 'moron' vote nowadays I fear.

I know this doesn't apply to the thread however did you hear Billy Mays is getting his own reality show "Pitchman"? I also heard he wants to kill Vince the Shamwow guy. He said I am going to "Sham Pow!" Vince on the Adam Carolla show. Was funny...

Where did you hear this!?

Christ, what are they thinking? I hope the bill isn't pushed through, if it is, I hope Nationstates is not on the list, and if it is... VIOLENT REVOLUTION OVER AN INTERNET FORUM! :D

Where did you hear this!?

Straight from Billy Mays mouth. He was yelling it for all to hear. I set a link for you.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/01/08/billy-mays-gets-his-own-reality-show/

Where did you hear this!?

Here is the actual interview. Listen to this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPLrm3Omkjg\

Vince is from Australia... lol

Here is the actual interview. Listen to this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPLrm3Omkjg\

Vince is from Australia... lol

This is awesome!

Yes, see this is where I really get angry, what started off as a plan to stop the sharing of child porn (which was never going to work anyway) has turned into a large list of anything that elected officials don't want people to see because it is against what they believe in (Euthanasia; ALP, Fileding), what they don't want people to see (Gambling: Xenophon, Xrated porn: Fielding) and stuff that may criticise them (Anti-ALP sites: ALP). I would have been against it anyway but it has blown well out of proportion. As Leon says there will be large public support because the government will say it is to stop child porn and the people will be for it, by the time it comes in it will be to late for people to see it for what it really is.


And anyone that does speak out is branded "advocate of child porn"

The govt did the same thing with the alcopops tax, the stimulus package and every other issue they have supposedly dealt with.

I had no idea your government was so...whats the word Im looking for?

Prissy.

Christ, what are they thinking? I hope the bill isn't pushed through, if it is, I hope Nationstates is not on the list, and if it is... VIOLENT REVOLUTION OVER AN INTERNET FORUM! :D

A few people have said go and revolt or riot but Australia is to laid back to go and do this sort of thing. In fact we are one of the few countries that formed without the need for violence it just happened (ok no it didn't but it was a smooth transition).

There has only been one Military coup in Australia and that was before the nation was founded. Known as the Rum rebellion amongst other things one of the main reasons was the the governor at the time messed with what we did with alcohol. Lesson for future Australian governments don't fuck with our alcohol :p

Christ, what are they thinking? I hope the bill isn't pushed through, if it is, I hope Nationstates is not on the list, and if it is... VIOLENT REVOLUTION OVER AN INTERNET FORUM! :D

It's not being pushed through just yet. And I think you'd be surprised at how big the backlash would be if innocent forums like NSG got banned. I mean, if we got banned, there'd be plenty of other good, clean (well, good) sites that would get banned too. Not to mention the likely degradation in available speeds. Anybody proposing to rip up the filter would become a political saint.

You know, this could turn into Labour's WorkChoices. A single issue election loser.

A few people have said go and revolt or riot but Australia is to laid back to go and do this sort of thing. In fact we are one of the few countries that formed without the need for violence it just happened (ok no it didn't but it was a smooth transition).

There has only been one Military coup in Australia and that was before the nation was founded. Known as the Rum rebellion amongst other things one of the main reasons was the the governor at the time messed with what we did with alcohol. Lesson for future Australian governments don't fuck with our alcohol :p

lol Alcopops :p

And anyone that does speak out is branded "advocate of child porn"

The govt did the same thing with the alcopops tax, the stimulus package and every other issue they have supposedly dealt with.

That is pretty much it, they will bring about a 'us vs them' mentality.

It's not being pushed through just yet. And I think you'd be surprised at how big the backlash would be if innocent forums like NSG got banned. I mean, if we got banned, there'd be plenty of other good, clean (well, good) sites that would get banned too. Not to mention the likely degradation in available speeds. Anybody proposing to rip up the filter would become a political saint.

You know, this could turn into Labour's WorkChoices. A single issue election loser.

Only if your scenario does happen, I doubt it will though, first we need to get media on our side to beat up how bad it actually is then we need large amounts of people to feel or better yet actually be affected by this, then it may turn into a single issue election loser.

Christ, what are they thinking? I hope the bill isn't pushed through, if it is, I hope Nationstates is not on the list, and if it is... VIOLENT REVOLUTION OVER AN INTERNET FORUM! :D

Those very words could ban this site.


Section 24 defined a seditious intention as [a]n intention to effect any of the following purposes:
(a) to bring the Sovereign into hatred or contempt;
(d) to excite disaffection against the Government or Constitution of the Commonwealth or against either House of the Parliament of the Commonwealth[...]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition_in_Australia

This filter is the most horrifying thing our government has done to date. And the government has done such a great media job that the average person on the street does see it as a good thing. When I have tried to discuss it with anyone to point out the evils in such a proposal, I have been met with the following responses:

"Well, we need to do what we can to block child porn. Do you not care about stopping child porn?"

"Well, who cares if gambling sites are banned? We can still go to the casino or TAB, can't we?"

"Naturally, euthanasia sites should be banned. It's against the law isn't it?"

"The government would never use this to block politically unfriendly sites - we're not China!"

And it goes on in this vein.

Only if your scenario does happen, I doubt it will though, first we need to get media on our side to beat up how bad it actually is then we need large amounts of people to feel or better yet actually be affected by this, then it may turn into a single issue election loser.

Yeah... personally, I'd rather the Greens and the opposition just continue to oppose it and it never goes forward. That was kind of a "if it gets implemented this is the best case scenario" exposition. I can only hope...

Yeah... personally, I'd rather the Greens and the opposition just continue to oppose it and it never goes forward. That was kind of a "if it gets implemented this is the best case scenario" exposition. I can only hope...

Hopefully this is what happens, however they will continue to push it after the next election because they will win enough seats in the House of Reps to form government, the question does remain if they will win enough in the Senate if an election was taking place next month people blinded by their $1900 sunglasses will be quick to vote ALP. I might just consider the Greens if I know it will help them to get one more seat because I know their policies that I strongly disagree with will never go through anyway but they may just help out the country by votng against stuff like this.

This filter is the most horrifying thing our government has done to date. And the government has done such a great media job that the average person on the street does see it as a good thing. When I have tried to discuss it with anyone to point out the evils in such a proposal, I have been met with the following responses:

"Well, we need to do what we can to block child porn. Do you not care about stopping child porn?"

"Well, who cares if gambling sites are banned? We can still go to the casino or TAB, can't we?"

"Naturally, euthanasia sites should be banned. It's against the law isn't it?"

"The government would never use this to block politically unfriendly sites - we're not China!"

And it goes on in this vein.

I do often wish people weren't so damned stupid. I just hope the core of people who really understand how bad this filter is continues to grow as it has done. I'm not putting money on it :(

I understand that people in Australia may fear legal consequences, but seriously. If I were in Australia, I would break the law with a smile on my face. Well, maybe not if it meant prison, but even then, I kind of hope I'd have the guts. If they criminalize free speech to such an extent as to ban most of the internet (which unless the reports have been exaggerated is what we may be looking at), and won't even let people view the fucking list of what's banned, they have lost legitimacy as a government. Not to the point where violent revolt is acceptable, but certainly to the extent that civil disobediance is justified.

Now, maybe the extent of the censorship is exaggerated (though banning Nationstates makes me doubt it), and I would always advise people to carefully research the situation and the potential consequences for themselves before acting in any way, but based on my limited understanding of the situation, this is what I would support. Break the law, refuse to pay fines, and fucking dare them to arrest half the country.

In the meantime, I will be writing to the governments of America and Canada (I am a duel citizen), and urging them to condemn this plan and consider some sort of diplomatic sanctions against Australia if it goes through.

I understand that people in Australia may fear legal consequences, but seriously. If I were in Australia, I would break the law with a smile on my face. Well, maybe not if it meant prison, but even then, I kind of hope I'd have the guts. If they criminalize free speech to such an extent as to ban most of the internet (which unless the reports have been exaggerated is what we may be looking at), and won't even let people view the fucking list of what's banned, they have lost legitimacy as a government. Not to the point where violent revolt is acceptable, but certainly to the extent that civil disobediance is justified.

Now, maybe the extent of the censorship is exaggerated (though banning Nationstates makes me doubt it), and I would always advise people to carefully research the situation and the potential consequences for themselves before acting in any way, but based on my limited understanding of the situation, this is what I would support. Break the law, refuse to pay fines, and fucking dare them to arrest half the country.

In the meantime, I will be writing to the governments of America and Canada (I am a duel citizen), and urging them to condemn this plan and consider some sort of diplomatic sanctions against Australia if it goes through.

The reports have been exaggerated... slightly. The filtering tech uses automated detection systems to tell if something is bad or not. This is the only way to get access to EVERY website being viewed. I mean, unless they wanted to employ the entire population of South East Asia to monitor it. But This tech can lead to blocking of perfectly legitimate discussion sites, so some of the debate which goes on here about paedophile activity which is perfectly normal has a decent chance of being blocked in an attempt to stop actual child porn. Ergo, even if we assume complete benevolence and restraint on the part of the government, NSG could well end up banned. Even the best case scenario could lead to Australians being unable to access this site. That's what upsets so many.

Also, most Australians won't be tech savvy enough to break this law. They won't know HOW to get around the filter. I'd have to get lessons, but I'd definately do it.

I understand that people in Australia may fear legal consequences, but seriously. If I were in Australia, I would break the law with a smile on my face. Well, maybe not if it meant prison, but even then, I kind of hope I'd have the guts. If they criminalize free speech to such an extent as to ban most of the internet (which unless the reports have been exaggerated is what we may be looking at), and won't even let people view the fucking list of what's banned, they have lost legitimacy as a government. Not to the point where violent revolt is acceptable, but certainly to the extent that civil disobediance is justified.

Now, maybe the extent of the censorship is exaggerated (though banning Nationstates makes me doubt it), and I would always advise people to carefully research the situation and the potential consequences for themselves before acting in any way, but based on my limited understanding of the situation, this is what I would support. Break the law, refuse to pay fines, and fucking dare them to arrest half the country.

In the meantime, I will be writing to the governments of America and Canada (I am a duel citizen), and urging them to condemn this plan and consider some sort of diplomatic sanctions against Australia if it goes through.


I like your style. This is what I plan to do. I've never gambled online before or looked up euthanasia or pro-ana sites (except once for a research project at uni), but I would do it just to show how evil this law is. In so doing, I would likely lose my job, since I am a teacher and this would break the code of conduct. But free speech is a fundamental issue that various governments have been successively chipping away at and destroying in this country. Something needs to be done.

Hell, I'd say that anyone who spreads information on how to break this law should get fifty dollars and a medal.:)

Hell, I'd say that anyone who spreads information on how to break this law should get fifty dollars and a medal.:)

I'd buy 'em a drink.

"The government would never use this to block politically unfriendly sites - we're not China!"


The proper response to this is "And Australians would never go on a murderous rampage in the middle of town right? We're not America. Then what about Port Arthur eh?"

Hell, I'd say that anyone who spreads information on how to break this law should get fifty dollars and a medal.:)



I'd buy 'em a drink.


https://www.torproject.org/

You know, I just looked at the list of banned websites (my googlefu is strong) and I don't see either Jolt or Nationstates on the list of banned websites.

I actually hope that 4chan is on the list. Why?

Because it will bring down the wrath of Anonymous on the Australian government. Their opening salvo will probably be to try and shut down the filter.

Personally, I think that if Australia were to put this into action, the US should sever diplomatic relations with Canberra.

I actually hope that 4chan is on the list. Why?

Because it will bring down the wrath of Anonymous on the Australian government. Their opening salvo will probably be to try and shut down the filter.

Personally, I think that if Australia were to put this into action, the US should sever diplomatic relations with Canberra.

That is actualy a fair point. I would LOVE to see Anonymous take on Canberra.

But the US will never sever the diplomatic ties over something like this. I mean, you still have ties with China...

I actually hope that 4chan is on the list. Why?

Because it will bring down the wrath of Anonymous on the Australian government. Their opening salvo will probably be to try and shut down the filter.

Personally, I think that if Australia were to put this into action, the US should sever diplomatic relations with Canberra.

Dude, we'll... i mean, they'll shut down the whole damn country.

And the thing is, they could win. They pretty much destroyed Scientology's credibility with what amounted to a major PR campaign, and they could easily bring attention to this as well. Hold major protests outside Australian embassies and consulates, leading to international outcry, which could lead to international pressure on Australia.

Failing that, they'll hack the government and tear the filters to shreds.

And the thing is, they could win. They pretty much destroyed Scientology's credibility with what amounted to a major PR campaign, and they could easily bring attention to this as well. Hold major protests outside Australian embassies and consulates, leading to international outcry, which could lead to international pressure on Australia.

Failing that, they'll hack the government and tear the filters to shreds.

I think the second is more likely, but I certainly hope for both. This is one instance where internet vigilantism is a GOOD thing.

Oh, and Scientology never had any credibility :p

I think the second is more likely, but I certainly hope for both. This is one instance where internet vigilantism is a GOOD thing.

Oh, and Scientology never had any credibility :p

One can dream. I do think, however it will take more than that to stop this filter. I certainly think that a country which is so emphatically protective of it's right to free speech should pressure our government to stop this ridiculous plan.

https://www.torproject.org/

You know, that's probably going to become illegal. Which worries me.

One can dream. I do think, however it will take more than that to stop this filter. I certainly think that a country which is so emphatically protective of it's right to free speech should pressure our government to stop this ridiculous plan.

It's funny how this would get absolutely nowhere in the US. Do you really think we as a country are so emphatically protective of our right to free speech?

You know, it's stuff like this that makes me think we need a federal Bill of Rights. Victoria's won't be enough to stop this coz of section 109 of the constitution. Dagnabit!

I have an idea, release the ultimate lobbyist.

I summon the eternal LG to liberate Australia from tyranny!

It's funny how this would get absolutely nowhere in the US. Do you really think we as a country are so emphatically protective of our right to free speech?

You know, it's stuff like this that makes me think we need a federal Bill of Rights. Victoria's won't be enough to stop this coz of section 109 of the constitution. Dagnabit!

Sorry, this is what 3 hours of sleep will do to you :(

I meant to suggest that the US, a country which is so emphatically protective of it's right to free speech should pressure the Australian government. Especially since we are all such special friends. Do I think this likely? A big hell no.

In answer to your question, the Australian ethos of "She'll be right, mate" a much loved cultural identity, is the reason that our government can run roughshod over our rights. Australians simply don't care. And in some ways, I think that they deserve most of what happens due to this apathy.

Lapse, you unregenerate Queensland larrikin, I have a calendar and I'm not afraid to use it.

Best of the day's dupes. Far outreaches GetUp's. (http://www.getup.org.au/files/campaigns/parentalleavead.pdf)

Sorry, this is what 3 hours of sleep will do to you :(

I meant to suggest that the US, a country which is so emphatically protective of it's right to free speech should pressure the Australian government. Especially since we are all such special friends. Do I think this likely? A big hell no.

In answer to your question, the Australian ethos of "She'll be right, mate" a much loved cultural identity, is the reason that our government can run roughshod over our rights. Australians simply don't care. And in some ways, I think that they deserve most of what happens due to this apathy.

Aye, I hear you. It just sucks for those of us that do pay attention...

No way! This is made of lose and fail on a scale not achieved since the Bay of Pigs invasion. What am I gonna do without Blouman Empire to laugh at my jokes and Saint Jade to be ignored by when I feel flirty? That leaves on Murv and Poli to be ignored by and nobody to laugh...

No way! This is made of lose and fail on a scale not achieved since the Bay of Pigs invasion. What am I gonna do without Blouman Empire to laugh at my jokes and Saint Jade to be ignored by when I feel flirty? That leaves on Murv and Poli to be ignored by and nobody to laugh...

Well, I laugh.


Oh, you said at your jokes:p

Lapse, you unregenerate Queensland larrikin, I have a calendar and I'm not afraid to use it.

Best of the day's dupes. Far outreaches GetUp's. (http://www.getup.org.au/files/campaigns/parentalleavead.pdf)

Lol, I preferred The Hun's, where a certain "Mekong Industries", a Chinese (teehee) business group, wanted to rename the MCG as the "Mekong Cricket Ground". The comments on the article were lolzy too.

No way! This is made of lose and fail on a scale not achieved since the Bay of Pigs invasion. What am I gonna do without Blouman Empire to laugh at my jokes and Saint Jade to be ignored by when I feel flirty? That leaves on Murv and Poli to be ignored by and nobody to laugh...

Damn, SaintB, if only I'd known. You shouldn't be so damn subtle you know :wink:

Damn, SaintB, if only I'd known. You shouldn't be so damn subtle you know :wink:

I'm very accessible via IM :D

Its fine I rarely expect a reply to them because for me its just plain old fun and/or an obsessive compulsive thing, not sure.

Maybe its all an April Fools joke?

WTF!?

First the UK goes off on Youtube...now Austrailia loses its mind....

When did we stop having the crazy government?

Maybe its all an April Fools joke?

The banning NSG thing, possibly. The rest, sadly not :(.

Das ist Bockmist!
Is that even constitutional?

Das ist Bockmist!
Is that even constitutional?

In Australia it is.

In Australia it is.

Heilige Scheiße! :eek:

Das ist Bockmist!
Is that even constitutional?

We don't have a constitution like you guys have a constitution. Ours is not concerned with citizens' rights in the same way. That's why many intelligent Aussies want a Bill of Rights or similar - to reduce the amount of power the government has.

We don't have a constitution like you guys have a constitution. Ours is not concerned with citizens' rights in the same way. That's why many intelligent Aussies want a Bill of Rights or similar - to reduce the amount of power the government has.

Word has it, we are looking to expand if you want some of ours, lol...

We don't have a constitution like you guys have a constitution. Ours is not concerned with citizens' rights in the same way. That's why many intelligent Aussies want a Bill of Rights or similar - to reduce the amount of power the government has.

What about the unintelligent ones? :p
(Hey, every country has a few. Look at America.) :D

*facepalms* Wow. Looks like Austrailia will have to change it's name to The Communist Dictatorship of Austrailia.

*facepalms* Wow. Looks like Austrailia will have to change it's name to The Communist Dictatorship of Austrailia.
Looks like you'll have to change your name to Fooly McFoolyson.

*pssst* Check the date.

*facepalms* Wow. Looks like Austrailia will have to change it's name to The Communist Dictatorship of Austrailia.

What does Communism have to do with it? Or do you actually believe that oppression always equals Communism, in defiance of all established history?

Looks like you'll have to change your name to Fooly McFoolyson.

*pssst* Check the date.

:confused: March 31st?








lol

We don't have a constitution like you guys have a constitution. Ours is not concerned with citizens' rights in the same way. That's why many intelligent Aussies want a Bill of Rights or similar - to reduce the amount of power the government has.

While some intelligent ones don't actually want a Bill of Rights for various reasons but this thread really isn't the thread to discuss this in.

*facepalms* Wow. Looks like Austrailia will have to change it's name to The Communist Dictatorship of Austrailia.

No it will change it to The People's Republic of Australia.

Looks like you'll have to change your name to Fooly McFoolyson.

*pssst* Check the date.

Only half of the OP is an April Fools prank.

After reviewing all the facts I've come to the only possible logical solution . . .








. . . Australia is definetly ripe for a CIA sponsored regime change. I'll get the boys on the phone.







*facepalms* Wow. Looks like Austrailia will have to change it's name to The Communist Dictatorship of Austrailia.
Shit, looks like we're gonna have to move faster than I thought on that coup. ;)

Those of us with Party affiliation will have have have full and free access.

For purely professional reasons, of course.

I'm very accessible via IM :D

See what I mean, ignored :p

Seriously though, that is BS NS is nowhere near a bad website. I bet they didn't take 4chan off that list.

Those of us with Party affiliation will have have have full and free access.

For purely professional reasons, of course.

Of course, just to make sure that these things should be banned. :)

Those of us with Party affiliation will have have have full and free access.

For purely professional reasons, of course.

Just to ensure that the right content is filtered, comerade?

Would something like ultrasurf work to get around this? Its free and was made to get around the Chinese firewall. It only work with IE, but I think you can download an add-on for firefox if im not mistaken. And its scary to think that something like this could happen in a modern western democracy.

Only half of the OP is an April Fools prank.
Aye, but this is what has caught everyone's attention.

Oz's stupendously idiotic blacklist has been known for some time now.

Aye, but this is what has caught everyone's attention.

Oz's stupendously idiotic blacklist has been known for some time now.

Many people in the ALP think it'd idiotic too.

Unfortunately, it was a stupid promise made in the 2007 election to keep the Laura Norder mob onside and, now, the Rudd government doesn't want to be seen to be breaking election promises. :$

All sane people are now hoping that it falls over technically, as it looks more and more likely to happen.

What about the unintelligent ones? :p
(Hey, every country has a few. Look at America.) :D

They aren't calling for a Bill of Rights. They don't even know what it is.

Not that they shouldn't be protected, if one does come into being.

Many people in the ALP think it'd idiotic too.

Unfortunately, it was a stupid promise made in the 2007 election to keep the Laura Norder mob onside and, now, the Rudd government doesn't want to be seen to be breaking election promises. :$

All sane people are now hoping that it falls over technically, as it looks more and more likely to happen.

So it won't be something they will be pushing when it meets resistance in the Senate?

So it won't be something they will be pushing when it meets resistance in the Senate?

I'm not that well informed but I hope so.

BTW, does it have to go to the senate?

<.<
>.>
Why do you hate freedom?

OK, revenge is bittersweet. I have heard about the Aussie censorship filters, and have grave concerns for freedom of speech in Australia. I am suspicious of the claim that NS and NSG will be blocked, but the internet may become somewhat like the North Korean music categories mentioned in another thread: Pro status quo or child porn.

You're welcome to use our Bill of Rights. We aren't using it anymore here.

We could try lending you these guys:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACLU

https://www.torproject.org/

downloading this now for liberty

I'm not that well informed but I hope so.

BTW, does it have to go to the senate?

Well if it is going to be legislated it will have to go to the Senate. If the Rudd government doesn't really care about it and only doing it so they can be seen that they are doing something to combat the problem they will let it be defeated in the Senate and if it ever comes up again blame the liberals. If they do care about it then we can expect to see a long drawn out battle that will either see it go through or if not they can simply blame the liberals when they are accused of not combatting child porn.

If Conroy and Rudd decide to take it through the back door then no it won't have to go through the Senate.

I'm not too concerned. It won't pass; if the Coalition don't support it, which they won't, it would then need every single one of the independents, and so far, only one independent supports it.

Unfortunately, it was a stupid promise made in the 2007 election to keep the Laura Norder mob onside and, now, the Rudd government doesn't want to be seen to be breaking election promises. :$

The treasurer recently stated that election promises will be broken due to the economic crisis. Hopefully this piece of junk is one of them.

Hi everyone,
This may be one of my last posts here:

The Australian Federal Government is pushing forward with a plan to force Internet Service Providers [ISPs] to censor the Internet for all Australians. This plan will waste tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and slow down Internet access.

Despite being almost universally condemned by the public, ISPs, State Governments, Media and censorship experts, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is determined to force this filter into being.

Unfortunatly, I have just found out that the black list of inaccesible sites is to include Nationstates and Jolt forums.

I have realised this after stumbling across one of the leaked site blacklists. I am not allowed to post it(the link to the blacklist) here however because it is apparently illegal and can expose myself and Jolt and Max to litigation and even criminal prosecution by the Australian Government. ($11,000/day fines!)

So, before we all 'cease to exist' in the NS sense, I encourage you to assist in the nocleanfeed protests!

If you want more information about the filter: http://www.nocleanfeed.com/learn.html

:eek:
No more Amor Pulchritudo!?

Lapse, you unregenerate Queensland larrikin, I have a calendar and I'm not afraid to use it.

Best of the day's dupes. Far outreaches GetUp's. (http://www.getup.org.au/files/campaigns/parentalleavead.pdf)

I didn't even get on the front page of News.com.au though :(

That aside, looks like Australia is going the way of the police state too. How sad.

Fuck this, I'm moving to Canada.

Fuck this, I'm moving to Canada.

Now, bear in mind that we have our own censorship here. My understanding is that our hate speech laws have been rather broad and vauge, though their was quite a bit of controversy over it recently.

That said, I've never heard of anything on this scale here. And hey, we're underpopulated. We can always use one more.;)

Perhaps because the site that contains the list of blacklisted websites is blacklisted itself? Boggles the mind.

Reminds me of what the Czech StB did after the Soviet "normalisation".

Wow. How fucked up is that? Let's hope those "plans" never actually come to fruition.

I didn't even get on the front page of News.com.au though :(

Would you want to be on the front page of an organisation that put Paris Hilton in the same place? ... er, let's have a think about that one ... anyway, you have won (Relatively) Undying Fame here and maybe, on some deep, cosmic level, you have caused a Disturbance in the Conroy.

Would you want to be on the front page of an organisation that put Paris Hilton in the same place? ...and maybe, on some deep, cosmic level, you have caused a Disturbance in the Conroy.

Sounds kinky:fluffle::tongue:

Hi everyone,
This may be one of my last posts here:

The Australian Federal Government is pushing forward with a plan to force Internet Service Providers [ISPs] to censor the Internet for all Australians. This plan will waste tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and slow down Internet access.

Despite being almost universally condemned by the public, ISPs, State Governments, Media and censorship experts, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is determined to force this filter into being.

Unfortunatly, I have just found out that the black list of inaccesible sites is to include Nationstates and Jolt forums.

I have realised this after stumbling across one of the leaked site blacklists. I am not allowed to post it(the link to the blacklist) here however because it is apparently illegal and can expose myself and Jolt and Max to litigation and even criminal prosecution by the Australian Government. ($11,000/day fines!)

So, before we all 'cease to exist' in the NS sense, I encourage you to assist in the nocleanfeed protests!

If you want more information about the filter: http://www.nocleanfeed.com/learn.html

You had me for a second there.

Would you want to be on the front page of an organisation that put Paris Hilton in the same place? ... er, let's have a think about that one ... anyway, you have won (Relatively) Undying Fame here and maybe, on some deep, cosmic level, you have caused a Disturbance in the Conroy.
So I can pull more chicks?

I didn't even get on the front page of News.com.au though :(
Stop confusing me. How can this have been an April Fools joke when there's all these articles people linked to?

Im pretty sure that if all of a sudden Australia was banned and couldnt post here, few if any people would even notice.

Im pretty sure that if all of a sudden Australia was banned and couldnt post here, few if any people would even notice.
There are surprisingly many Australians on NS, actually.

Stop confusing me. How can this have been an April Fools joke when there's all these articles people linked to?

The internet filter is real.
But NS isn't going to be filtered ;)

The internet filter is real.
But NS isn't going to be filtered ;)

*adjusts necktie*

We'll sssseeee.... about that.

The internet filter is real.
But NS isn't going to be filtered ;)
I'd already read that in your post on page 5 or so. Way to make me confused after the fact. *shakes fist*

*adjusts necktie*

We'll sssseeee.... about that.

Yes indeed we will.

I consider making that list to be an achievement to be proud of. I think we're already banned in China.

Steven Conroy is pushing shit uphill on this one. Unless the Libs back him and pigs learn to fly, this legislation simply will not get off the ground.

Why Conroy is persisting beats me! This is a vote-loser for Labor if there ever was one.
Who do they thinkl they are trying to impress with it?

Also, all the internet search engine companies won't play ball.

Linux Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosted overseas and tunnel all your HTTP connections through that link.

Hi everyone,
This may be one of my last posts here:

The Australian Federal Government is pushing forward with a plan to force Internet Service Providers [ISPs] to censor the Internet for all Australians. This plan will waste tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and slow down Internet access.

Despite being almost universally condemned by the public, ISPs, State Governments, Media and censorship experts, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy is determined to force this filter into being.

Unfortunatly, I have just found out that the black list of inaccesible sites is to include Nationstates and Jolt forums.

I have realised this after stumbling across one of the leaked site blacklists. I am not allowed to post it(the link to the blacklist) here however because it is apparently illegal and can expose myself and Jolt and Max to litigation and even criminal prosecution by the Australian Government. ($11,000/day fines!)

So, before we all 'cease to exist' in the NS sense, I encourage you to assist in the nocleanfeed protests!

If you want more information about the filter: http://www.nocleanfeed.com/learn.html
Sorry about all that pal, but we keep hearing from the others here that government knows best.

I, for one, welcome our new upside-down overlords.

I thought this was joke. Man that sucks! What an awful policy. I don't even think Communist have thought of a plan this good. Wow.

Im pretty sure that if all of a sudden Australia was banned and couldnt post here, few if any people would even notice.

But what are you gonna ban us for?

I mean, as a nation, on the international scene Australia doesn't flame (much), we don't troll (often), we don't spam (unless you think cricket is spam), we RP beautifully (look at our sports teams! Or Neighbours!), we play our part nobly in the World Assem -- I mean, the UN -- we help newbies, we explain stuff ... we did get mixed up with some raiding a couple of years ago, but it wasn't griefing, exactly, and it was all America's idea, anyway ... we even arrange meetups!

So maybe we get a little off-topic occasionally, and now and then we post while drunk (it's the only way to explain the net filter), but, hey, even a world forum has to have a that guy.

EDIT: And it's not true we have New Zealand on Ignore!

But what are you gonna ban us for?

I mean, as a nation, on the international scene Australia doesn't flame (much), we don't troll (often), we don't spam (unless you think cricket is spam), we RP beautifully (look at our sports teams! Or Neighbours!), we play our part nobly in the World Assem -- I mean, the UN -- we help newbies, we explain stuff ... we did get mixed up with some raiding a couple of years ago, but it wasn't griefing, exactly, and it was all America's idea, anyway ... we even arrange meetups!

So maybe we get a little off-topic occasionally, and now and then we post while drunk (it's the only way to explain the net filter), but, hey, even a world forum has to have a that guy.

EDIT: And it's not true we have New Zealand on Ignore!

:D win!

...

EDIT: And it's not true we have New Zealand on Ignore!

Yes, but we do have Tasmania on Ignore. (Remember the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane?)

Books won't stay banned. They won't burn. Ideas won't go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost. The only weapon against bad ideas is better ideas. ~Alfred Whitney Griswold, New York Times, 24 February 1959

and now and then we post while drunk (it's the only way to explain the net filter), but, hey, even a world forum has to have a that guy.
Old, but oh so appropriate. (http://www.satirewire.com/news/jan02/australia.shtml)

Old, but oh so appropriate. (http://www.satirewire.com/news/jan02/australia.shtml)

"They broke Florida,"

That cracked me up.

"They broke Florida,"

That cracked me up.
Hee, yeah, that was my favourite line, too.

Well thats not nice...I'm from Florida! :(

Hee, yeah, that was my favourite line, too.

And what's brilliant about the whole piece is that that does a job on Australia's very real inferiority complex.

Old, but oh so appropriate. (http://www.satirewire.com/news/jan02/australia.shtml)

That is triple awesome. ;)

Those very words could ban this site.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition_in_Australia

...

And all this time I thought the US was bad, over there, 'Thought Police' is about to become an actual title...

...

And all this time I thought the US was bad, over there, 'Thought Police' is about to become an actual title...

OI! only Australians are allowed to dis our government!

Old, but oh so appropriate. (http://www.satirewire.com/news/jan02/australia.shtml)

lol it did forget to tell us when Australia chundered on its drunken move.

Old, but oh so appropriate. (http://www.satirewire.com/news/jan02/australia.shtml)

Thankyou. Site favouritised. Loved the Peter Cosgrove bit -- he's always so up with whatever's going on, the idea of him saying "I think we might have declared war on it (Jamaica)" had me hiccuping.

Also, all the internet search engine companies won't play ball.

If you're referring to Yahoo and Google type companies, why wouldn't they? They already work with the Chinese government to censor the internet, why not ours?

Wow so what I'm gathering from the first 7 pages is that basically anything on the internet can be banned. I say this because if a page happens to have "child" and "pornography" somewhere on it, it will be banned. If it speaks out against the government, it will be banned, if it speaks of euthanasia, it will be banned, etc.

This is fucking ridiculous.

If I were you guys I would be printing and handing out flyers saying "This is what they will also ban" or something to that extent. See how the people like it then.

This is horrible. Good luck guys...

*EDIT* Part of me wants to think of this as an experiment as well. You know, to see if the powers that be can actually get away with it in a democratic country.

Right, but as in the dentist office case, wouldn't making the list (parts that are not obvious choices for blacklisting) available to the public make sense so mistakes could be caught and corrected? That way people might realize NS, and sites like it, don't belong on a list of blacklisted websites.