Tasmania Experiments With Web Filtering

LAUNCESTON, Tasmania — The island of Tasmania is experimenting with using filtering technology on a trial basis at the ISP level, blocking access to websites containing pornography and violence. Liberal Sen. Guy Barnett introduced the legislation to Communications Minister Helen Coonan, along with joint support from U.S.-based RuleSpace and Internet Sheriff Technology.

The “clean feed” trial affects half of the country’s Internet users, as Optra and Telstra, the nation’s two largest providers have yet to sign on. The filtering technology being employed is proprietary to the users’ Internet service provider, eliminating the need to download additional software. The filter works for both private and public usage.

In initiating the legislation, Sen. Barnett cited a 2003 survey by the Australia Institute that found 93 percent of parents were in favor of filtering out adult content available on their home computers. “I will not roll over on this issue. I will continue to pursue this in the best interests of Australian children,” Barnett told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The ambitious proposal by Barnett comes on the heels of Australia limiting access to all potentially offensive websites by giving the Australian Communications and Media Authority the task of categorizing questionable sites. ISPs would then consult a list of banned sites before granting Internet access.

Coogan initially met Barnett’s plan with resistance initially, stating, “Labor’s plans to force Internet service providers to filter the Internet will only result in slowing down the Internet for every Australian without effectively protecting children from inappropriate and offensive content.” Coonan previously shot down a Labor Party proposal to begin nationwide filtering at the ISP level. Under the plan, users would have had the ability to “opt out” by contacting their ISPs.

Coogan then reversed tack on the issue, saying, “The Government has not ruled out ISP-based filtering and is currently undertaking a trial in Tasmania in conjunction with the Internet safety agency NetAlert.”

Results from the Tasmanian filtering study should be available soon, and there is speculation it could expand nationwide if successful.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More