The Australian Democrats will be blacking out their websites and social networking profile pictures from the 25th to the 29th of January as part of the Great Australian Internet Blackout, a unified protest against the Government's plan to censor the internet.
The Blackout is a combined online and offline demonstration allowing all online users to blackout wither their websites or social networking profiles from the 25th to the 19th, or participate in events to be held on Australia Day.
National President of the Australian Democrats, Julia Melland, said the blackout is a very practical way all Australians can show they disapprove of internet censorship. "There are instructions on how to black out your facebook or twitter picture, or if you have one, your website at internetblackout.com.au."
"The Australian Democrats are committed to doing everything we can, including blocking any legislation should we get Senators up in the Federal election, to stop Australians from having their internet censored," Ms Melland said.
"People should not be fooled that this proposed measure is about protecting children: it's not. There are already filters available for those who want to protect their kids. This issue is about not letting an unchecked, secretive list of websites be censored by the Government."
"The proposed mandatory filter is a tool for tyranny, and we must not allow the technology to be put in place and be potentially misused by this or any other Government," Ms Melland said.
The Australian Democrats' new draft policies for the internet and classification will be released for comment in coming weeks. People wishing to have their say should follow the party on twitter or facebook, or sign up to the email list at democrats.org.au to be notified when the draft policy is released.
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Contact:
Julia Melland
President, Australian Democrats
julia.melland@democrats.org.au
Tel 0431 357 585
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