Moncrieff Media

Online safety jeopardised as free filters are axed

28 January 2009

Gold Coast children could be at risk of ‘net nasties’ after access to free internet filters ceased in December.

Local MP Steven Ciobo said he was disappointed Labor axed the Coalition’s NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online initiative.

He said the Coalition’s NetAlert initiative was a user friendly option giving Gold Coasters the choice of obtaining a free content filter which could be tailored to their individual needs to keep away ‘net nasties’.

"In August 2007 the Coalition launched NetAlert to give Gold Coasters access to free internet filters as well as providing education and awareness, including a free helpline and website.

"The initiative was designed to protect families from illegal and offensive online activity while giving them the choice as to how much content they wish to limit, so it is disappointing to hear Labor has axed the program.

"While the Coalition supports and values the importance of guarding our children from being exposed to inappropriate internet content, there is no substitute for responsible and appropriate adult supervision."

Labor’s proposed mandatory internet filtering system is not the answer to online safety and according to experts it will be ineffective and will slow down the internet.

"This big brother approach to internet filtering is both inefficient and misguided," Mr Ciobo said.

"Ultimately, the most powerful way of combating illegal online activity is through good parental supervision and well resourced law enforcement."