Internet Filtering Law Dies in Australian Senate

SYDNEY — An independent senator in Australia's national legislative body has aligned himself to cast a deciding vote against an Internet filter designed to kill online gambling but criticized for being too blunt of an instrument.

Senator Nick Xenophon of the Australian parliament had previously supported the filter, which was aimed exclusively at online gambling sites, but he revealed this week that he has reservation.

"The more evidence that's come out, the more questions there are on this," he said.

Those questions stem from the opinions of local tech experts, who said that the filter would, if enabled, block non-gambling sites and slow down the rest of the Internet for Australian residents. On top of that, experts said that hackers could easily circumvent the filter, which has yet to be tested through any of the nation's three main Internet service providers.

But despite all that, Australian Communications Minister Stephen Conroy wanted to go forward with the filter, which he originally envisioned as a way to stop child porn. After that, his list of targets grew to include online gambling, as well as a host of legal adult sites that depict "drug use, crime, sex, cruelty, violence or "revolting and abhorrent phenomena" that "offend against the standards of morality."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More