What is the 'Internet Service Provider (ISP) Filtering Live Pilot'?

The ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot is an Australian Government initiative specifically designed to block access to Web sites containing illegal child sexual abuse images (CSAI).

What is the purpose of the ISP Content Filtering Live Pilot?

The ISP filtering Pilot provides the opportunity to test a range of content filtering solutions in a real world environment, with the cooperation of ISPs and their customers.

This Pilot will help add to the information obtained via the laboratory-based tests of filters recently published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The outcomes of the Pilot will inform the Government's decision making on the ISP filtering framework.

How is content filtered for this trial?

The ISP receives a list of investigated illegal CSAI websites from the Australian Communications and Media Authority. These websites are then inaccessible by the volunteering participant of the trial.

What Internet Access Methods will be included in this trial?

OMNIconnect has several access methods to the Internet that may be filtered for this trial. These include: Wireless, DSL and fibre.

Will it effect the Performance of my Internet service?

This filtering trial is being used to determine whether there will be any effect on Internet performance. We do not anticipate any performance issues at this stage.

Why is OMNIconnect participating?

We would like to state that we take a neutral position in relation to the debate on Internet censorship.

Our reasons for participating in this trial are primarily because it gives us the opportunity to assess and critique some of the latest technology for filtering solutions. We will be able to examine any effects of this trial filter on our own network and with our own clients, compiling first-hand information.

This trial will provide us with the opportunity to share our view of the technology involved with any government proposed filtering implementation based on our first-hand experience.

OMNIconnect also recognize that many of our current and future clients will desire the choice to either have or not have a content filter on their service. We want to give our clients the latest information on technology that may effect their service.

Many businesses already have defined company policies in regards to information access. Trialing this technology allows us to offer a filtering system that will give them the ability to enforce their policies.

What is the length of the Trial?

The ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot is a six-week long trial. The date for this trial is yet to be advised.

Who will participate in the ISP Filtering Pilot?

This filtering trial will be conducted on a voluntary basis only. Only OMNIconnect clients who have volunteered will be able to participate in this trial. All other OMNIconnect customers will not have their Internet traffic filtered.

Participants of this free trial are simply required to use the Internet as they would normally do so. At the conclusion of the trial, they will be asked to complete a survey focusing on their experience with the filtering system. All information will be kept anonymous and no Internet browsing will be monitored.

Participants of the trial are able to request the removal of the filtering system at any time.

If you are an OMNIconnect client, and would like to participate in the free ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot, please email: filtering@omniconnect.com.au