The Federal Government’s trials of its internet filtering program is set to begin today, but two major internet service providers have been dumped from the trialling process.
The Minister for Communications, Senator Stephen Conroy, announced yesterday that six ISPs are taking part in the trial – Primus Communications, Tech 2U, Webshield, OMNIconnect, Netforce and Highway 1.
But Optus and iiNet, two providers that applied to take part in the process, have been scrapped from the list of testers.
“Arrangements for the first phase of the live pilot have been finalised with six ISPs while consultations continue with a number of other ISPs that have applied to take part,” Conroy said in a statement.
“The live pilot will provide evidence on the real-world impacts of ISP content filtering, including for providers and internet users. It will provide evidence to assist the Government in the implementation of its policy.”
Conroy also says the Government is “well aware” of concerns that the filters will slow internet speeds, and that the trials will help determine the credibility of such complaints.
But Shadow Communications Minister Nick Minchin questioned the Government’s move to drop two of the nation’s biggest internet providers.
“It is extremely puzzling why two of the nation’s three largest ISPs, Optus and iiNet, have not been included in the first phase of these trials, despite expressing a willingness to participate. Without the ‘big three’ it is difficult to see how these trials could be in any way credible.”
The testing will take place for a minimum six weeks after equipment has been installed, and will focus on how the filters effectively block both child pornography and “unwanted content”.
The Government has been criticised by industry groups for not defining what this “unwanted content” will be, or which blocked websites will appear on the secret blacklist.
Geordie Guy, board member and spokesperson for internet user lobby group Electronic Frontiers Australia, says it’s very easy to be cynical about the ISPs chosen to take part, as they are less well-known.
“It’s certainly very surprising that the Government would choose to decline Optus and iiNet, especially when they’re under such scrutiny. It’s a big move to take them out of the process,” Guy says.
“Optus and iiNet were probably the two most vocal about their intended participation. iiNet’s managing director said he only intended to take part to show how stupid it was, and Optus said they were only interested in the mandatory filtering side.
“So at the same time, it’s not stunning that they’re declined.”
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Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
