From January 20, 2008 new content laws introduced by the Federal Government will force sites to verify the age of users before accessing content intended for mature audiences (MA15+ and R18+). The laws bring internet classification into line with Film and Book classification laws and completely prohibits X18+ and RC content from the internet. ACMA (The Australian Communications and Media Authority) claims that adults will not be affected by the new laws, yet user-generated and even chatrooms are required to be assessed for classification and powers are granted to ACMA to send 'take down' notices to offending sites. Source: Slashdot http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22959799-5005961,00.html http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/207632/pc=PC_310907
I'm sorry if I sound ignorant but from what I understand, this simply means that when a specific website is required to play by these rules, a "Please leave at once if you're underage" page will be displayed before kids can actually click "I swear I'm 18" and then access all the porn they want... am I right? How big a difference is this going to make?
Most of the popular sites aren't originated in Australia, so I think the laws would have minimal effect. What's good of passing a law that doesn't have the bite?
From news source: How this new rule is any different from COPPA rules? COPPA requires you to verify the age of your visitor before letting them enter/register the site. They can force companies to take down the content, thus hurting freedom of speech.
Oh I got it. But you know, that's just crazy. If they don't want their children to be exposed to "harmful" things, they should constantly either monitor their kids' activities or cancel their internet accounts altogether. Instead of facing their incompetence as parents and guardians, they choose to restrict people's birthright to free speech. When will they learn that they can't keep their kids from adult stuff forever! Somehow, children will find a way to bypass their security measures and get "spoiled".