Rudd's Internet Censorship
Dec 22nd 2008, 6:25 am
#47
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 534
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
What a wanker... frankly, there are amoeba out there with more intelligence than this dunder-muffin.
Even someone with a basic understanding of peering protocols and encryption knows that Deep Packet Inspection can easily be circumvented by strong bi-directional encryption and changing the default ports. CopyRouter, which is the software CONroy is talking about, could possibly defeat Gnutella based networks like Limewire but not BitTorrent, which most people use. I guess no-one at Brilliant Digital Entertainment mentioned that to him that it fails to scrape CRC's from swarm based peering technologies.
This is such a staggering waste of tax payers money and all so that Conroy doesn't lose any more face after promoting this preposterous plan so vigorously. Only a couple of the major ISPs are involved in this idiotic trial and they hve made it very clear they are only taking part to ensure that the true scale of its stupidity is sung from mountain tops.
God it makes me want to piss blood just thinking that some people out there actually support this moron.
Even someone with a basic understanding of peering protocols and encryption knows that Deep Packet Inspection can easily be circumvented by strong bi-directional encryption and changing the default ports. CopyRouter, which is the software CONroy is talking about, could possibly defeat Gnutella based networks like Limewire but not BitTorrent, which most people use. I guess no-one at Brilliant Digital Entertainment mentioned that to him that it fails to scrape CRC's from swarm based peering technologies.
This is such a staggering waste of tax payers money and all so that Conroy doesn't lose any more face after promoting this preposterous plan so vigorously. Only a couple of the major ISPs are involved in this idiotic trial and they hve made it very clear they are only taking part to ensure that the true scale of its stupidity is sung from mountain tops.
God it makes me want to piss blood just thinking that some people out there actually support this moron.
Dec 22nd 2008, 6:57 am
#48
No Clean Feed
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Hampton, Victoria
Posts: 1,381
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
I'm not alone
Source: SMH
Fatal flaws in website censorship plan, says report
Asher Moses - December 23, 2008
TRIALS of mandatory internet censorship will begin within days despite a secret high-level report to the Rudd Government that found the technology simply does not work, will significantly slow internet speeds and will block access to legitimate websites.
The report, commissioned by the Howard government and prepared by the Internet Industry Association, concluded that schemes to block inappropriate content such as child pornography are fundamentally flawed.
...
Senator Conroy refused to comment directly on why the report has not been released or why the trials are going ahead given its findings.
...
The policy has attracted opposition from online consumers, lobby groups, ISPs, network administrators, some children's welfare groups, the Opposition, the Greens, NSW Young Labor and even the conservative Liberal senator Cory Bernardi, who famously tried to censor the chef Gordon Ramsay's swearing on television.
Professor Landfeldt says the censorship plan assumes websites will remain static, but as soon as the filtering system is in place many porn and other "unwanted" sites will change their designs to get around the filters, just as spammers can bypass email filters.
He said the filtering plan was "completely politicised".
The Greens Senator Scott Ludlam urged the Government to drop its "completely unhinged" policy which was "a waste of taxpayers funds". The Liberal Party's communications spokesman, Nick Minchin, said the Opposition would try to obtain the report under freedom of information laws.
Asher Moses - December 23, 2008
TRIALS of mandatory internet censorship will begin within days despite a secret high-level report to the Rudd Government that found the technology simply does not work, will significantly slow internet speeds and will block access to legitimate websites.
The report, commissioned by the Howard government and prepared by the Internet Industry Association, concluded that schemes to block inappropriate content such as child pornography are fundamentally flawed.
...
Senator Conroy refused to comment directly on why the report has not been released or why the trials are going ahead given its findings.
...
The policy has attracted opposition from online consumers, lobby groups, ISPs, network administrators, some children's welfare groups, the Opposition, the Greens, NSW Young Labor and even the conservative Liberal senator Cory Bernardi, who famously tried to censor the chef Gordon Ramsay's swearing on television.
Professor Landfeldt says the censorship plan assumes websites will remain static, but as soon as the filtering system is in place many porn and other "unwanted" sites will change their designs to get around the filters, just as spammers can bypass email filters.
He said the filtering plan was "completely politicised".
The Greens Senator Scott Ludlam urged the Government to drop its "completely unhinged" policy which was "a waste of taxpayers funds". The Liberal Party's communications spokesman, Nick Minchin, said the Opposition would try to obtain the report under freedom of information laws.
Dec 28th 2008, 3:00 am
#49
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
This is like a game of Chinese Whispers (or should that be Chinese Wall Whispers 
).
Even if this is technically possible what is most likely to happen? Taking an item off the current black list (detailed instruction in crime) as an example. Yes they will block sites that give details on how to break into a car but they won't block websites reporting or discussing car crime.
If on the off chance euthanasia is added to the list then the likely scenario is that sites offering short stays in Swiss hospitals will be banned. It is extremely unlikely that the discussion of euthanasia will be banned especially if the discussion is political (which is protected by the High Court) and it is improbable that animal euthanasia is blocked. (The reason the filter is being tested is to check if it will affect legitimate pages.)
I think some chill pills are in order
Although I'm not allowed by the black list to give you details on how to make them 
).- The government announces a project to automate the blacklist.
- A couple of non-government MPs suggest adding euthanasia and anorexia to the list.
- Web sites like the ones posted by BigApe state that some Government MPs are touting that euthanasia be added to the black list.
- Some people then start saying euthanasia is on the black list.
- Some of the same people then say euthanasia is on the list because it's a crime in Aus.
- Other people then start to say that anything that is a crime will be blocked.
- etc.
- etc.
Even if this is technically possible what is most likely to happen? Taking an item off the current black list (detailed instruction in crime) as an example. Yes they will block sites that give details on how to break into a car but they won't block websites reporting or discussing car crime.
If on the off chance euthanasia is added to the list then the likely scenario is that sites offering short stays in Swiss hospitals will be banned. It is extremely unlikely that the discussion of euthanasia will be banned especially if the discussion is political (which is protected by the High Court) and it is improbable that animal euthanasia is blocked. (The reason the filter is being tested is to check if it will affect legitimate pages.)
I think some chill pills are in order
Although I'm not allowed by the black list to give you details on how to make them The worst problem with this is that overseas books, films and games are republished here so have a local advocate. If censorship is over the top they are informed and can appeal the ruling, taking it to the media if necessary. Each overseas website that may be banned doesn't have that advocacy. It just disappears, without the overseas publishers knowing, or even caring, that the Australian government may have unfairly censored material. This is a fundamental difference that will allow the censorship to creep into unbalance. We will not even know it existed and was censored.
Lets face it. A lot of things that are legal today were illegal previously. And illegal things today will become legal tomorrow. This change comes through discussion. If discussion is censored then legitimate change will be stifled.
As an atheist I do not want a conservative Catholic like Stephen Conroy pushing his views onto me through legislation. We have a separation of church and state.
Dec 28th 2008, 6:29 am
#50
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
Sure, so discussion on euthanasia may not be banned now...but what is to stop non political discussion on euthanasia being blocked in the future by a less moral government (like the one we just booted). It would be easy to claim it is illegal so is legitimately blocked.
The worst problem with this is that overseas books, films and games are republished here so have a local advocate. If censorship is over the top they are informed and can appeal the ruling, taking it to the media if necessary. Each overseas website that may be banned doesn't have that advocacy. It just disappears, without the overseas publishers knowing, or even caring, that the Australian government may have unfairly censored material. This is a fundamental difference that will allow the censorship to creep into unbalance. We will not even know it existed and was censored.
Lets face it. A lot of things that are legal today were illegal previously. And illegal things today will become legal tomorrow. This change comes through discussion. If discussion is censored then legitimate change will be stifled.
As an atheist I do not want a conservative Catholic like Stephen Conroy pushing his views onto me through legislation. We have a separation of church and state.
The worst problem with this is that overseas books, films and games are republished here so have a local advocate. If censorship is over the top they are informed and can appeal the ruling, taking it to the media if necessary. Each overseas website that may be banned doesn't have that advocacy. It just disappears, without the overseas publishers knowing, or even caring, that the Australian government may have unfairly censored material. This is a fundamental difference that will allow the censorship to creep into unbalance. We will not even know it existed and was censored.
Lets face it. A lot of things that are legal today were illegal previously. And illegal things today will become legal tomorrow. This change comes through discussion. If discussion is censored then legitimate change will be stifled.
As an atheist I do not want a conservative Catholic like Stephen Conroy pushing his views onto me through legislation. We have a separation of church and state.
The changes you mention in paragraph 3 have come through democratic government. I can't see this government reversing the trend of the last 50 odd years.
Jan 4th 2009, 1:46 pm
#51
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,849
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
Democracy is the answer. Aus is a very democratic country and has a secular government. Political discussion (freedom of speech on political matters) is protected by the High Court.
The changes you mention in paragraph 3 have come through democratic government. I can't see this government reversing the trend of the last 50 odd years.
The changes you mention in paragraph 3 have come through democratic government. I can't see this government reversing the trend of the last 50 odd years.
Sex education and cartoon websites have been deemed too risque for Brisbane City Council workers, while Queensland Transport employees are not allowed to view weather pages, which are deemed as entertainment.
Queensland police were denied access to the official Olympic Games site last year; food manufacturer Harvest Freshcuts restricts employees' internet access to online banking sites; and Queensland Health staff find it easier to fax urgent reports than wait for the approval to email material with medical terminology or images.
Most Qld Govt departments block access to all blogs and forums - including BE.
Jan 4th 2009, 2:00 pm
#52
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...77-952,00.html
Sex education and cartoon websites have been deemed too risque for Brisbane City Council workers, while Queensland Transport employees are not allowed to view weather pages, which are deemed as entertainment.
Queensland police were denied access to the official Olympic Games site last year; food manufacturer Harvest Freshcuts restricts employees' internet access to online banking sites; and Queensland Health staff find it easier to fax urgent reports than wait for the approval to email material with medical terminology or images.
Most Qld Govt departments block access to all blogs and forums - including BE.
Sex education and cartoon websites have been deemed too risque for Brisbane City Council workers, while Queensland Transport employees are not allowed to view weather pages, which are deemed as entertainment.
Queensland police were denied access to the official Olympic Games site last year; food manufacturer Harvest Freshcuts restricts employees' internet access to online banking sites; and Queensland Health staff find it easier to fax urgent reports than wait for the approval to email material with medical terminology or images.
Most Qld Govt departments block access to all blogs and forums - including BE.
Jan 4th 2009, 2:02 pm
#53
...giving optimism a go?!
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane (leafy, hilly western suburbs)
Posts: 2,202
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
)
Jan 4th 2009, 5:30 pm
#54
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,849
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
For example, Surf Life Saving Qld is a site which is blocked by the Dept of Emergency Services, because they say it is to do with leisure activities - we actually work quite closely with Surf at times so not having access to their site is a big problem.
Dept of Transport are blocked from viewing the Bureau of Met - that one is in the article - which causes no end of issues when trying to deal with road condition reports.
Thats just two that come to mind.
As Dadagain says, it leads to people taking their own laptops to work, and paying for the ir own interent access just so they can do their jobs. One recent project I worked on involved visiting online shopping sites for research into emergency kits. All shopping sites are blocked, so the only way I could do the research was by bringing my own laptop into work, with its own mobile interent connection.
Jan 4th 2009, 6:11 pm
#55
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
If you read the report though you'll see that a lot of sites bsides porn are banned.
For example, Surf Life Saving Qld is a site which is blocked by the Dept of Emergency Services, because they say it is to do with leisure activities - we actually work quite closely with Surf at times so not having access to their site is a big problem.
Dept of Transport are blocked from viewing the Bureau of Met - that one is in the article - which causes no end of issues when trying to deal with road condition reports.
Thats just two that come to mind.
As Dadagain says, it leads to people taking their own laptops to work, and paying for the ir own interent access just so they can do their jobs. One recent project I worked on involved visiting online shopping sites for research into emergency kits. All shopping sites are blocked, so the only way I could do the research was by bringing my own laptop into work, with its own mobile interent connection.
For example, Surf Life Saving Qld is a site which is blocked by the Dept of Emergency Services, because they say it is to do with leisure activities - we actually work quite closely with Surf at times so not having access to their site is a big problem.
Dept of Transport are blocked from viewing the Bureau of Met - that one is in the article - which causes no end of issues when trying to deal with road condition reports.
Thats just two that come to mind.
As Dadagain says, it leads to people taking their own laptops to work, and paying for the ir own interent access just so they can do their jobs. One recent project I worked on involved visiting online shopping sites for research into emergency kits. All shopping sites are blocked, so the only way I could do the research was by bringing my own laptop into work, with its own mobile interent connection.
Jan 5th 2009, 7:23 am
#56
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,584
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
I came across this quote from a famous author:-
"When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know, the end result is tyranny and oppression no matter how holy the motives."
-- Robert Heinlein
"When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know, the end result is tyranny and oppression no matter how holy the motives."
-- Robert Heinlein
Jan 5th 2009, 8:45 am
#57
No Clean Feed
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Hampton, Victoria
Posts: 1,381
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
I came across this quote from a famous author:-
"When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know, the end result is tyranny and oppression no matter how holy the motives."
-- Robert Heinlein
"When any government, or any church for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know, the end result is tyranny and oppression no matter how holy the motives."
-- Robert Heinlein
"PEeow! PEeow! Ka-Bang... Oh My God! They're coming out of the GROUND !!! ZAP Zaaaaaaap! Ka-BOOOM! "
-- Robert Heinlein
*joke*
Last edited by bigAPE; Jan 5th 2009 at 8:48 am.
Jan 6th 2009, 1:37 pm
#58
...giving optimism a go?!
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane (leafy, hilly western suburbs)
Posts: 2,202
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
If you read the report though you'll see that a lot of sites bsides porn are banned.
For example, Surf Life Saving Qld is a site which is blocked by the Dept of Emergency Services, because they say it is to do with leisure activities - we actually work quite closely with Surf at times so not having access to their site is a big problem.
Dept of Transport are blocked from viewing the Bureau of Met - that one is in the article - which causes no end of issues when trying to deal with road condition reports.
Thats just two that come to mind.
As Dadagain says, it leads to people taking their own laptops to work, and paying for the ir own interent access just so they can do their jobs. One recent project I worked on involved visiting online shopping sites for research into emergency kits. All shopping sites are blocked, so the only way I could do the research was by bringing my own laptop into work, with its own mobile interent connection.
For example, Surf Life Saving Qld is a site which is blocked by the Dept of Emergency Services, because they say it is to do with leisure activities - we actually work quite closely with Surf at times so not having access to their site is a big problem.
Dept of Transport are blocked from viewing the Bureau of Met - that one is in the article - which causes no end of issues when trying to deal with road condition reports.
Thats just two that come to mind.
As Dadagain says, it leads to people taking their own laptops to work, and paying for the ir own interent access just so they can do their jobs. One recent project I worked on involved visiting online shopping sites for research into emergency kits. All shopping sites are blocked, so the only way I could do the research was by bringing my own laptop into work, with its own mobile interent connection.
Jan 6th 2009, 2:24 pm
#59
No Clean Feed
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Hampton, Victoria
Posts: 1,381
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
Funny you mention DES - That was where I was! As software developers working on a java project we found it astoundign that we couldnt get access to 'sourceforge' - or any other the repository for opensource software and its documentation! We couldnt get the manuals for the products we were using!
Al
Jan 6th 2009, 5:38 pm
#60
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,849
Re: Rudd's Internet Censorship
Funny you mention DES - That was where I was! As software developers working on a java project we found it astoundign that we couldnt get access to 'sourceforge' - or any other the repository for opensource software and its documentation! We couldnt get the manuals for the products we were using!
