You know what would be a nice change? A televised discussion about the Internet filter that didn’t just involve the words “child porn”, “bestiality” and “pro-rape websites” thrown around again and again. That could happen next week, with Greens Senator Scott Ludlam appearing on ABC show Q&A with the hope of discussing the filter and online privacy on the show. Let’s help him out.
Ludlam has been one of the most outspoken politicians against the internet filter, and his appearance on the ABC program is a great opportunity for some serious debate on the issue. In the lead up to an election though and a panel of politicians who will all want to try and promote their own message, it’s a good idea for us to try and help steer the conversation onto the importance in fighting the filter.
So, head on over to the Q&A website and ask a question for Senator Ludlam on the filter. If nothing else, it will hopefully let a non-tech audience hear the importance of the filter issue.
[Q&A]
Rahul Khanna
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 4:25 PMThanks for the heads up :) All done! People: Write to your MPs!
MDolley
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 4:50 PMI added two questions, one of which was
“Senator Stephen Conroy recently said that there are spams and scams coming through the portal. What is the portal and will the the proposed filter prevent these spams and scams?”
matt
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 4:59 PMdone.
80 words was tough… I could spend all day listing my issues with it.
Devz
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 5:32 PMNot really much point when the Government isnt listening to the people, to the experts, but instead some guy that doesnt really know what his doing (Conroy).
And now the ginger ninja support him on his efforts.
Quite simply, spend your time researching VPN options now, instead of talking to deaf public servants.
Matt
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 5:56 PMDone.
My question: Do you think it’s appropriate for Senator Conroy to imply that anyone who believes Australians should be given the choice to opt into the internet filter is advocating child pornography?
Bern
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:19 PMI’m beginning to seriously think that the whole child porn angle is a red herring, and that the real objective of this filter is to allow easy government blocking of filesharing. Sure, it wont stop bittorrent or other protocols (at least, they tell us it wont), but how hard would it be for them to block access to tracker sites, or anywhere else you could find links to downloads?
It would also explain how adamant Labor has been over this – they don’t generally pander to the religious right, but big business in the form of the movie & music oligopoly, on the other hand…
Jase
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:33 PMDone. question added – hopefully with enough requests they’ll give one to Senator Ludlam to voice his opinion on the filter.
btone
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:34 PMSenator Ludlum:
My question:
ALP Senator Kate Lundy has advocated an alternative to the proposed mandatory internet filter providing an ‘opt in’ alternative for those wishing to be censored by an anonymous government entity. When asked what he thought of this option Senator Conroy stated “I’m not opting in to child pornography”. Do you believe Senator Lundy, myself and thousands of others wish to opt in to child pornography or do you believe Senator Conroy should opt out of his portfolio?
Dark Moogle
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:55 PMUrgh and I’m sure the panel will still find a way of making the entire issue seem like it is still all about the children and protecting them from the perils of child pornography. I get burned every time I give Q&A a chance when it comes to these issues (they were terrible when they had a panel discuss an R18+ rating for games)
Cro_Crx
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 9:11 PMWoot, added mine :)
Cam Dove
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 9:20 PMhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Fight-the-Filter-with-Gizmodo/135774686444012?v=wall
Bigmac
Friday, July 9, 2010 at 8:16 AMIt’s good that there is now a group, but there are a few typos that need to be fixed up before the group goes too mainstream (you’re/your, Labour(work)/Labor(party)).
I know “THERE IS MISTAKES ON TEH INTERWEBS!!!!1!!” but the little things count
Sam
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11:37 PMGiz should get in touch with 60 minutes, ACA or Today Tonight (total trash but reach the voting masses) They are all starved of content and love taking opposing views of the Gov to stir things up. I genuinely believe that this is the (ill informed) audience that needs to be informed of what is really going on here. If Giz needs a contact there send me an e-mail and I’ll hook it up.
MDolley
Friday, July 9, 2010 at 8:53 AMI agree. Hasn’t Nick already appeared on the 7pm Project to discuss bill shock? Maybe he could get his people to call their people.
Joey
Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:07 AMI dont see why bestiality is an issue.. i mean come on .. Twilight.. they play it on our cinima screens!