Cleanfeed (content blocking system)

Cleanfeed is the name given to various privately administered ISP level content filtering systems operating in the United Kingdom and Canada, and as of May 2012 undergoing testing in Australia with a view to future mandatory implementation. These government-mandated programs originally attempted to block access to child pornography and abuse content located outside of the nation operating the filtering system. (Offending Web sites in the nation are breaking the law; the sites are shut down rather than being blocked.) The sites blocked are considered potentially illegal; actual legality can only be determined in a court of law.

Implementations

United Kingdom

Cleanfeed is a content blocking system technology implemented in the UK by BT, Britain's largest Internet provider as the first to block the Internet Watch Foundation's child abuse image content list. It was created in 2003 and went live in June 2004.[1]

Canada

Cleanfeed in Canada is a voluntary Internet URL filtering list maintained by Cybertip.ca for use by participating ISPs.[2] Eight major providers, representing approximately 80% of Canada's Internet users, have been using the list since November 2006 to block foreign websites.[3][4][5]

Proposed implementations

Australia

Cleanfeed in Australia was a proposed mandatory ISP level content filtration system. It was proposed by the Kim Beazley led Australian Labor Party opposition in a 2006 press release, with the intention of protecting children who were vulnerable due to claimed parental computer illiteracy.[6] It was announced on 31 December 2007 as a policy to be implemented by the Rudd ALP government, and initial tests in Tasmania produced a report in 2008. Public opposition and criticism quickly emerged, led by the EFA and gaining irregular mainstream media attention, with a majority of Australians reportedly "strongly against" its implementation.[7] Criticisms included expense, inaccuracy (it will be impossible to ensure only illegal sites are blocked) and the fact that it will be compulsory. Cleanfeed was quietly abandoned as a policy after the 2010 election.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Bright, Martin (6 June 2004). "BT puts block on child porn sites". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  2. ↑ Cleanfeed Canada
  3. ↑ ISPs and Tipline Step Up Battle Against Internet Child Exploitation Archived 12 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ Mountie hopes web initiative could cut child abuse
  5. ↑ ISPs to monitor child porn under proposed bill
  6. ↑ Walsh, Gabrielle (April 1, 2006). "Labor's mandatory filtering pledge". Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  7. ↑ Liebhardt, John (11 December 2008). "Australia rallies to "Stop the Clean Feed"". Global Voices Online. Retrieved 2008-12-11.
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