University of New South Wales Faculty of Law Research Series

University of New South Wales Faculty of Law Research Series 2009

 

Inspecting the Despicable, Assessing the Unacceptable: Prohibited Packets and the Great Firewall of Canberra

David Vaile, University of New South Wales
Renée Watt, University of New South Wales

Article comments

This paper may be referenced as [2009] UNSWLRS 35.

Abstract

At first glance the Australian Government’s 2008 proposal to install a two-layered mandatory Internet ‘content filtering’ regime at ISP level—rather than the current opt-in filtering at the user’s personal computer—appears relatively straightforward, with a clear mandate, solid unobjectionable aims, little change from existing legal principles and governance frameworks, and challenging but achievable technical goals. Closer inspection does not sustain this appearance; each of these conclusions is shaky; and there are as many interpretations of what is really at stake as there are observers. This paper explores some of the issues that complicate policy development and technical assessment.

Subject Area

Computer Law

Recommended Citation

David Vaile and Renée Watt, "Inspecting the Despicable, Assessing the Unacceptable: Prohibited Packets and the Great Firewall of Canberra" (September 2009). University of New South Wales Faculty of Law Research Series. University of New South Wales Faculty of Law Research Series 2009. Working Paper 35.
http://law.bepress.com/unswwps/flrps09/art35

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