EDUCATION THE BEST FILTER FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS ON THE INTERNET
21 March 2006
Findings from recent NetAlert research into the use of filters in the broadband environment confirms that accessing the Internet through a content filter at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) level leads to a significant reduction in network performance.
The research shows that network performance was reduced by 18 per cent for the best performing filter and almost 78 per cent on the worst performing filter. The research also demonstrated variable filter performance across the different categories of restricted content. Even the most effective filter in terms of accuracy, only blocked 76 per cent of the selected list of potentially offensive URLs used in the testing. The research also demonstrated that the technical challenges for ISPs would be significant.
The research was commissioned by NetAlert to assess the effect of filters on the overall performance including system stability, impact on data rates and latency effects.
“NetAlert strongly supports the current co-regulatory scheme with its strong focus on education and voluntary filtering” Karyn Hart, Chair of NetAlert said today.
“While our findings are yet to be released, I think it is clear that we should be cautious in assuming that mandatory filtering at the ISP level will work.” Karyn Hart said.
The protection of children online is paramount and NetAlert stresses the need for Internet safety to be top of mind. NetAlert’s programs and resources are available free of charge to the community and have been developed specifically to address the issue of child protection online. Education is the imperative of NetAlert and the NetAlert Expo, currently touring Australia, is a major part of its outreach program.
“Under the current regulatory and legislative scheme in Australia, ISPs are required to provide home computers with filters at cost or free of charge and some 35% of home computers have a content filter downloaded; a 50% increase in the last three years. We continue to believe that education and downloading a filter onto the home computer rather than mandatory filtering at the ISP level is the most effective way of keeping children safe in the online environment.” Karyn Hart said today.
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For more information:
Karyn Hart, Chair, NetAlert Ph: 0417 622 335
Media Enquiries:
Rod Nockles, Public Affairs Executive, NetAlert Ph: 0419 691 323, 03 – 9629 3000
About NetAlert
NetAlert Limited (NetAlert) is Australia’s Internet Safety Advisory Body, a one-stop-shop for Internet safety advice, information and resources in Australia available free from 1800 880 176 or www.netalert.net.au.
NetAlert’s primary objective is to promote a safer Internet experience, particularly for young people and their families.
NetAlert was established by the Australian Government in December 1999. NetAlert works closely with a variety of bodies, at both a national and international level, in order to promote the safety of children on the Internet.
NetAlert is owned by the Australian Government as part of its approach to regulating online content. NetAlert’s website has been designed to complement other measures put in place by the Government, such as the Australian Communications and Media Authorities complaints mechanism at http://www.aba.gov.au/what/online/www.asp
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