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Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS)

2009 Conferences and Workshops

The ARC Cultural Research Network in collaboration with the Innovation in Cultural Research (ICR) node of UOW’s Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS) will hold a workshop on:

Internet Regulation and Filtering in Australia and the Asia-Pacific

When: Monday 30 November –Tuesday 1 December 2009
Where: University of Wollongong
Workshop Program »

Background

At the instigation of the Australian Labor government various ISPs in Australia are trialling a filtering system that will block access to a ‘blacklist’ of websites. Various stakeholders have raised questions concerning by whom and for whom such sites are deemed unsuitable. A wide range of sites can potentially be filtered out including animation, manga and gaming sites, ‘pro-ana’ (anorexia) sites, sites discussing euthanasia and sites connected with ‘terror’ groups. It has been pointed out that content-based filtering systems do not adequately address questions of purpose, practice and use and may unreasonably limit access for legitimate purposes. Furthermore, because of differing State and Federal laws the process of gaining exemption to allow academics and other parties access to such sites is extremely time consuming and cumbersome.

This workshop brings together academics whose research may lead them to filtered sites (such as those studying online sexuality, transnational crime or mental health issues) and other stakeholders including civil-liberties advocates and those charged with developing regulations policy and administering surveillance systems to discuss the issues and problems involved. In addition international speakers will offer comparative perspectives on how Internet regulation and filtering is being addressed by societies across the Asia-Pacific region.

Attendance and Call for Papers:

Attendance at this event is by invitation only. If you would like to offer a paper or otherwise participate, please direct inquiries to Associate Professor Mark McLelland markmc@uow.edu.au.