30 March 2010 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Washington joins Google and Yahoo! in opposing Australia's web censorship

The Australian government's controversial plan to censor offensive material has received more high-profile criticism in the United States, with the US government joining internet giants Google and Yahoo! in publicly announcing its opposition to the plan.

The proposal by Australian communications minister Stephen Conroy has yet to face parliament scrutiny. It proposes a country-wide internet filter that will force service providers to block access to material deemed offensive, ranging from child pornography to websites providing details of how to carry out criminal activities.

The Telegraph reports that this proposal has already faced criticism over the breadth of its scope, which could see legitimate websites being accidentally blocked - such as media organisations reporting on criminal activity or websites providing vital legal information on issues such as abortion, drug addiction or euthanasia. Meanwhile, other parties are more concerned with the restrictions it will place on internet freedom.

The US government is a strong supporter of online freedom and has previously criticised the Chinese government's strict internet censorship laws. Some critics have stated that, if Australia's plan goes ahead, it will see the nation's regulations become as strict as those of China, causing natural concern for Washington.

US State Department spokesperson, Michael Train, explained the government's position: "Our main message of course is that we remain committed to advancing the free flow of information which we view as vital to economic prosperity and preserving open societies globally.

"We don't discuss the details of specific diplomatic exchanges, but I can say that in the context of that ongoing relationship, we have raised our concerns on this matter with Australian officials."

Earlier this month, search giants Google and Yahoo! announced their joint opposition to the plan, with Google accepting that while some limitations on access could indeed be beneficial, the Australian government was taking a heavy-handed approach. Google stated: "We have a bias in favour of people's right to free expression."

As well as the moral issues involved, other critics believe the plan will simply be unworkable, as well as a waste of technological resources. The Australian government has thus far refused to comment.