Primus lashes out against internet filtering

Internet giant Primus, one of the internet service providers involved in the Government’s mandatory filtering system trials, has compared the new filtering process to China’s harsh censorship laws.

Primus – the largest ISP to take part in the trials – also says any filtering systems shouldn’t be mandatory.

Primus manager of marketing and products, Andrew Sims, told news.com.au that customers should have a choice as to whether their internet connections are filtered.

“We’ve got instances of that around the world, particularly in China where the Government forces filtering upon their population,” he said. “My professional opinion is I don’t really believe that forced filtering is a good option.

“If a family chooses not to have their children exposed to some of the nasty stuff on the internet, that’s an option. But forcing everyone to do it, I don’t believe it’s a good idea.”

Sims also said that Primus customers will be given notification of the trials, and they have the ability to opt-out. “Customers who feel that it’s an invasion of privacy or who don’t wish to participate for whatever reason won’t have to.”

But this is not the first time that the Government’s mandatory internet filter has come under criticism. Lobby groups have attacked the Government’s plan for blocking “unwanted content”, which it refuses to define. It also refuses to release the names of the blocked sites on its blacklist.

There are also claims that the filter will slow internet speeds by up to 87%.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the trials will help determine if the criticism is warranted.

“The live pilot will provide evidence on the real-world impacts of ISP content filtering, including for providers and internet users. It will provide evidence to assist the Government in the implementation of its policy.”

Related stories:

• Credibility of internet filtering trials under question
• Why internet filtering is bad for business
• Proposed internet filter takes another hit