South Australia Internet Censorship

In what can only be seen as a draconian law, South Australia has become one of the few states in the world to censor the Internet.

The new law will see South Australia joining a group of countries including Iran, China and North Korea in attacking the fundamental tenements of free speech. Additionally when viewed along side the Australian Federal Governments Internet filtering policy Australia is now a country that has a flexible approach to basic freedoms.

Since its origin the Internet has quickly developed as the greatest bastion and protector of freedom and democracy that has ever been known. Australia is now eroding that freedom.

The law, which came into force on January 6, requires anyone making an online comment about next month's state election to publish their real name and postcode. The protection from fear and intimidation provided by anonymous comment is fundamental in allowing whistle blowers, the weak and oppressed to provide commentary without the fear of reprisal. In this one move Australia has taken a very dangerous step away from free political comment.