121/07
Monday 27 August 2007

NetAlert’s comprehensive internet safety programme

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan has reiterated the importance of a comprehensive approach to internet safety issues and the critical need for parents to be actively involved in their child’s internet use.

“The Government takes internet safety seriously and that is why our NetAlert programme covers a support hotline for parents, new funding for online police, information and education campaign, mandatory ISP level filtering and filters for the home computer among other measures.

“But there is no silver bullet that can protect children online and that’s why the Government’s $189 million programme is designed to provide broadest possible line of defence in the protection of Australian families.

“Sadly, just as a seatbelt will never prevent every fatal car crash, as the Government has always maintained, no filter is foolproof. But a computer with a filter is infinitely safer than one without,” Senator Coonan said.

The internet content filters offered through NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online were subjected to independent testing through the Australian Government’s rigorous tendering process and all successful vendors have committed to continually upgrading and improving their filters.

“We have always known that putting filters out in the market would be tantamount to issuing a challenge to internet savvy teenagers to get around the technology. Just as kids push the envelope with a whole range of risky behaviours, internet use and abuse is no different. But that’s not a reason to hold back on filtering, because just like seatbelts, if they are combined with other measures, are a very practical safety device, said Senator Coonan.

All filters available as part of the National Filter Scheme are subject to ongoing upgrades and use a range of tools (such as technical updates and human hackers working for the filter providers) to ensure they remain ahead of the game here and overseas.

“Once a parent downloads and installs a filter, it is continually upgraded each and every time the computer is shut down and rebooted. Continual protection and upgrades are a key part of the filter program and all filter providers use human and technical means to ensure they are providing world’s best filtering technology.

“On the back of the unconfirmed report of recent filter ‘hacking’, the filter providers have responded rapidly and take any report of vulnerability seriously to ensure their filters stay ahead of new threats.

“I am advised that most hacking occurs when a child gains access to the parent’s administrator password, so I encourage parents to take responsibility for downloading and installing filters themselves so that they are the administrators of the software - and the actual computer’s operating system - and that they protect this status accordingly.

“Parents who want help are encouraged to call the special internet safety hotline  1800 880 176 which is open 7 days per week between 8am and 10pm.

“In coming weeks, the Australian Government will be distributing internet safety information and advice across Australia to assist parents and carers to manage their family’s internet experience.

“This will be underpinned by $11.7 million over four years to fund the NetAlert ACMA School Outreach Program, which will effectively treble the school and community visits made to give parents and teachers ‘hands-on’ internet education.”

MEDIA: Katherine Meier  0417 441 141 (mobile) 02 6277 7480 (Canberra)