Web filter will compromise national broadband network, say providers

INTERNET service providers believe Labor's filter to block web nasties could well neuter its cherished national broadband network.

They believe the filter to block all material refused a classification will slow broadband speeds, including the services delivered by the much vaunted NBN.

When Communications Minister Stephen Conroy this week unveiled the legislation to be introduced next year, he also released a report saying the filter would not degrade internet performance, according to tests performed by Enex TestLab.

ISP network engineer Mark Newton said yesterday Enex only tested speeds up to eight megabits per second, which is standard for residential connections.

Mr Newton said the proposed filter would degrade higher network speeds, including the 100Mbps services promised by the Rudd government's $42 billion NBN and called for another trial.

"I think it's fair to ask whether the NBN goals are in conflict with the censorship goals," Mr Newton said.

"It's a completely open question until they do another trial which shows no significant performance degradation with large numbers of 100-megabit users all going hell for leather at the same time - which is exactly what they're expecting us to be able to do in a few years time."

RC-rated material includes child sex abuse, bestiality, rape and instructions on crime or drug use. A blacklist of RC content will be compiled through a public complaints mechanism.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released yesterday showed that in June more than five million Australian households had broadband - about two-thirds of all households. This was an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year.

The ABS found an estimated 72,000 children experienced personal safety or security problems on the internet, while 28,000 children had similar problems while using mobiles.

Annie Pettitt of Save the Children had concerns about the government's filtering plan.

"In particular we have concerns that an ISP filter will potentially lull families into a false sense of security... when in fact, they may not be aware of what their children may be doing on the internet and its much better to have parents and children educated about the safety of internet use."