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Aussies Censor Internet

New ratings system Down Under

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2007 11:20 PM CST

(Newser) – Australian Internet users are getting wary about new regulations meant to keep minors away from mature content, Ars Technica reports. A stringent new ratings system to be introduced in January is meant to stop kids from accessing adult-oriented content, but critics say it will be child's play to get around, and means adults will have to surrender some privacy.

The new laws will bring rules covering content supplied to computers or mobile phones in line with Australia's existing movie rating system. Users will have to prove their age by giving their full names and a credit card or digital signature. The fact that Australia will have no power to police sites based abroad is leading many to label the effort futile.

The new law will apply to all commercial content providers in Australia, along with suppliers of "live content" services like chatrooms. (Getty Images)

Australia's new regulations will mean that content published online or over mobile phones will be governed by the same ratings system as movies. (Getty Images)

Australia is bringing in new regulations that mean Internet sites will have to verify the age of users before letting them access mature content. (AP Photo/Rick Stevens) (Associated Press)

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Japan Eyes Internet Crackdown

Tough new proposals protect children, copyrights

Hackers Hit Internet Giant VeriSign

Firm is responsible for delivering people to more than half of all websites

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Uproar ensues after line changed to 'fun your life must be'

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Minn. man accused of surfing Internet for victims to coax into suicide

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Children unprepared for virtual world share more than is prudent

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