Internet Regulation: how? why?

The other day I was asked to comment on internet regulation in Australia. I thought, internet regulation... what? is the internet meant to be regulated? And how the hell do you try and regulate such a massive source of content where anyone can publish anything?

Turns out the Australian government has a whole heap of useless regulations and initiatives in place to make broadband internet content ubiquitous and safe. The only thing I understand from reviewing the codes is that the ABA relies on what they call 'self-regulation'. That is, the onus is on us to regulate what content we consume from the internet. But who's stopping me from entering how to make a bomb into Google? For that matter, who's stopping me from explaining how to make a bomb right now in this blog?

Rather, I think that the government has felt they need to come across as moderating internet content, but are caught between the throws of free speech (completely unmoderated) and broadcast communication (needs to be regulated).

Let's face it, Australian media content in general, as it becomes less conservative, is moving towards a system of self regulation. Little Johnny may not be exposed to nudity on TV before his bedtime; but technically ofay Johnny knows that a quick type of the word boobies into Google will provide him with all the nudity he wants.

Self regulation... yeah, I guess it'll work to an extent. I think we should educate people on the constrictive advantages of the internet, like access to information, the ability for mass communication and its positive ability to network previously un-linkable people and organisations.

Anyway... after all the shouting's over, Van Morrison will still tell me that it's a wonderful night for a moondance, and I'll believe him. Thank heavens for stability in an ever-changing world,

Chris


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picture sourced from Photoshop-school (2005) http://www.photoshop-school.org/xmedia/goodies/wallpaper/1024.GIF, accessed September 7, 2005
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