Jump to content
Eternal Lands Official Forums
korrode

Australians - Electronic Freedom Project

Recommended Posts

Typical, the day of our protest we get this:

Weather causes chaos across Victoria

 

Fierce winds and torrential rain caused chaos across Victoria on Saturday, especially in Melbourne which copped its wettest day of the year.

Traffic lights were torn down across the city, while fallen trees damaged power lines and roofs.

Coastal wind warnings were issued for Saturday evening and motorists were urged to adjust to dangerous conditions and slow down.

In Melbourne, 36mm of rain was dumped in the 24 hours until 9am (AEDT) on Saturday, the highest one-day total since February 2006.

Another 9mm fell throughout the day.

Rainfall across Melbourne's metropolitan area was typically 35-50mm.

Strong, gusty winds accompanied the rain throughout the day, with the highest gusts of 91km/h recorded in St Kilda.

The State Emergency Service and Metropolitan Fire Brigade responded to more than 250 calls for help, mostly for buildings damaged by fallen trees and water overflows.

A police spokesman said the force had been kept busy dealing with minor traffic incidents, traffic light outages and electrical faults.

...Worse rain than we've seen in almost 3 years... didn't really help the protest turn out or exposure. Still, many came, we blocked up the front of the library for a while, held our signs and sung our chants, many there were handing out info to ppl passing and talking to them about the situation... hopefully we had some impact. :)

 

Haven't heard how the other protests around the country went yet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, if I were you, I'd start a real revolution there. But then again, they took your guns a few years ago, no? You'd have to improvize a little.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

But there is more to life then PKing thou, or is there. Sorry to hear about the goverment issues Korrode. If I lived in your country I would be there with you. I do not like government in my daily EL live or Real life for that matter. Next question is there life after EL?

Attila

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am really annoyed about this issue. I live in a regional area in Australia where our broadband, etc is already significantly slower than in capital cities. We are already penalised, then if this comes along it will probably greatly affect my ability to play in EL. I am already on the lowest graphics setting possible as is in EL and my screen refresh rate is from about 12 to 30 per second.

Oh and I love the fact that the Gov't proposes some sort of militant control of Aussie internet use, but still allows cigarettes in the legal free market. Guess which one causes more bloody damage and expense, yet provides a massive income from taxes for the Gov't. That's prob what annoys the Gov't - they can't make money out of the internet.

We gotta stand up for what we believe in, fellow Aussies! This is a democracy!!!

 

*bows & gets down off soap box* :P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The battle is lost.

 

15th of December.

 

For Americans it's the anniversary of the passage of the Bill of Rights,

 

From now on for Australians, it will be the anniversary of the day online Liberty died.

 

How ironic, how sad, and how shaming.

 

I will route around their filters and view whatever I like, but for my freedom, I must circumvent my government.

 

http://blogs.smh.com.au/digital-life/gadge...oyapproves.html

http://www.zdnet.com.au/blogs/fullduplex/s...39300065,00.htm

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/med...leases/2009/115

Edited by Korrode

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What the fuck. Don't those <angry describing word> retards understand that there is programs and even on board help in routers and browsers to help parents restrict their viewing and what not, But oh no, seems politicians aren't only liars.. they're a <angry word here> righteous bunch of simpletons with no idea of what they're doing.

Edited by Luigi

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Is port 443/https traffic covered in this? Might be something to check once people are noticing the effect. It would be hard for ISP's to do that without significant additional work. If EL is affect and that ports safe, I'll have to test with someone that is seeing a bad ping time through my UK proxy's.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@ Korro and Liam:

 

Come live in SA - similar to Australia anyway :icon13: SA ppl always moving there for that reason. You Aussie criminals should feel right at home :angry:

 

m057.gif

 

and...if you stay where you are, i give you a very sympathetic clicky ^^

Edited by Frost

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Is port 443/https traffic covered in this? Might be something to check once people are noticing the effect. It would be hard for ISP's to do that without significant additional work. If EL is affect and that ports safe, I'll have to test with someone that is seeing a bad ping time through my UK proxy's.

Thankfully, the government is not going ahead with the DPI filtering they at one point proposed.

They are, for the time being, only blocking particular DNS requests (URLs), based on the ACMA blacklist. Previously this list supposedly tried to only include vulgar material (for eg. child porn), but we're well aware (due to the list being leaked) that there was other content on the list that's 'vulgarness' is not quite so absolute, and more a matter of personal tastes. There was also some proven cases of websites being added that definitely should not have been (there was a couple of Australian small businesses that ended up on there that certainly had nothing vulgar about them). This was mainly due to the retarded system of list being partially based on complaints from the general public.

 

However, this list is going to be extended to encompass any material that has been Refused Classification in Australia (well, all that they can find), which is something i personally consider to be a gashing wound in my adult freedom, and online Liberty.

 

Anyways, in regards to what's going to be implemented, for the time being, EL ping times should suffer little or no effect.

 

@Frost

Is it hard to get a visa to stay in SA permanently?

Edited by Korrode

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
What the fuck. Don't those <angry describing word> retards understand that there is programs and even on board help in routers and browsers to help parents restrict their viewing and what not, But oh no, seems politicians aren't only liars.. they're a <angry word here> righteous bunch of simpletons with no idea of what they're doing.

 

 

The problem is, parents skirt their responsibility to watch over their children, and expect the Government to do it, and of course Gov is always ready to step in and take over our everyday lives. I will decide what my children can and can't do, I have never needed permission or approval in that matter, as it is a point of pride that I can raise my kids how I choose. Not to mention that it is a futile effort for a Democracy to try to control it's people in such ways, as it will always come back to bite them on the ass. See American prohibition and the rise of the mafia in America, among many other points. Good luck guys, looks like you will just have to wait it out...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You know i don't even begrudge the lazy parents an automatic filter, opt-in would be preferable, but even opt-out would be acceptable... but no, mandatory -,-

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, guys. My condolences to the Aussies. What's next? Will they water down the beer to American standards?

Australia was a nice place when I was there 5 years ago. Friendly folk and a number of folk were plenty glad to invite me and my shipmates over to drink with them.

That was quite a fun port call.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So how is this all progressing?

 

I saw a vid that reminded me of you Aussies...

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, it seems people are really trying to spread the word to those who are simply unaware it's happening more now, since the announcement in December. There's still a distinct lack of popular media coverage on the issue, so it's falling more on word of mouth and even the likes of social networking sites to ensure more Australians actually realise what the government intends to do.

 

There's protests planned for every major city at the start of March and it seems more people are writing letters to the government on the subject as well. Also, many groups working to stop it are re-thinking their strategies, trying to learn how to better fight within the system. (Which dealing with political issues such as this is not common ground for computer nerd types, and our opponents are people like the Australian Christian Lobby; groups that have decades or even a century of experience in influencing government/politics... but we're learning fast.)

 

It also appears that they still actually need to get the proposal through parliament, they can't "just implement it", so another recent focus has also been on contacting members of the other primary (currently unelected/opposition) political party here in Australia (The Liberal Party; but don't let the name fool you, they don't live up to it's dictionary definition, and that party's leadership recently changed (by a measly 1 vote -,-) to a guy that is an ex-priest conservative type.)

 

To any Aussies reading this, there is a very easy, automated system for sending an email or fax (i recommend clicking fax) to both Senator Conroy (the current communications minister, wanker) and Mr. Smith (the shadow (Liberal) communications minister) here:

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/SaveTheNet/442

 

Also, it seems the media coverage is picking up somewhat. At least the websites of popular newspapers are posting stories related to it. A good article here for anyone who's interested:

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technolog...91217-kyeu.html

It points out some of the recent activities and shows that the amount of members of the public who're openly opposed to it is growing very large.

 

Since the announcement in December, word is spreading, more action is being taken, perhaps the fight isn't quite over yet.

Edited by Korrode

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Various factors held back the bill from being heard in parliament when Labor wanted it to be, it now almost certainly won't be heard until after the next federal election. (Remember if your ancestors have been blindly voting Labor for decades, doesn't mean you should, actually look at their policies (on all topics, not only this one) and see if you agree... and if you don't, lets punish these bitches! :rolleyes: )

 

High ranking Liberal party members have (finally) spoken out against the mandatory content filter scheme. Senators from within the Labor party itself are now fighting for it to be opt-out, and in submissions to the depart of communications the likes of Google and Yahoo have slammed the idea. Hell even Microsoft was unfriendly towards it.

 

Best source of up-to-date news is here:

http://openinternet.com.au/news/

 

That site is also the best location to find ways you can help the cause!

 

-----------------------

 

On a slightly related note; The MP & Attorney General (Michael Atkinson) who's been key in blocking the introduction of a R18+ classifications for video games has resigned his front bench seat, despite still winning the election for his district. This means he will no longer be Attorney-General, and thus not in a position to block the classification introduction.

 

Coincidence that the public discussion paper on the R18+ rating for games had ~55,000 respondents of which we're very sure 95%+ will support the rating introduction? ...i think not, just a way to cop out and never admit defeat without having to look like a complete undemocratic asshole (which he would if he still blocked it after the discussion paper responses are made public).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present for you; Stephen Conroy Australian Minster for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/06/theres-a...-at-the-moment/

 

That's right, this is the guy in charge of the technical side of communication technologies in Australia.

 

--------------------

 

Gizmodo had a competition to try and decipher his warning :icon13:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/06/photosho...ugh-the-portal/

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/06/so-thats...ugh-the-portal/

Edited by Korrode

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd never be so naive as to say "it's over" until the policy is dropped completely, or the legislation is put to the senate and denied...

However, today 'the Coalition' (The Liberal party + the National Party) finally came out publicly with a party stance on the filter:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/05/2974827.htm

 

AGAINST :P

 

It's basically now guaranteed that the majority of the Australian Senate will be voting against legislation that would force ISP's to filter content.

 

As i say; don't wanna be like "we've won :D" yet... but things are looking DAMN FINE!

 

EDIT:

Here's the relevant segment of Triple J's interview, for anyone interested:

http://www.paradoxcomputers.com.au/stuff/j...tent_filter.ogg

Edited by Korrode

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
However, today 'the Coalition' (The Liberal party + the National Party) finally came out publicly with a party stance on the filter:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/05/2974827.htm

 

AGAINST :P

 

It's basically now guaranteed that the majority of the Australian Senate will be voting against legislation that would force ISP's to filter content.

Nicely played on this one; in fact I was feeling uneasy that Howard's legacy could be still felt. I will move to Australia with better vibes next month! :D

 

In contrast, our government has put out a proposal for public comment about Internet Governance (on the social side, not technical): of course, put out on the 4th of August, with 30 days for comments, just by chance while everyone and his granny in the country is on a beach...

Edited by Usl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Australia is a small country, start a general strike.. A few weeks without infrastructure will crack down any government.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
in fact I was feeling uneasy that Howard's legacy could be still felt.

Except that... Howard implemented free end-user filtering software; a great solution... and he was from the Liberal party... and the mandatory policy comes from the Labor policy... so in this particular instance, a 'Howard legacy' would be a good thing ;p

 

...and coming to Aust. eh Usl? ...where abouts? ^^

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Focus shift to the U.S. government now :(

http://www.techweek.org/2081us-government-...e-internet.html

 

A decentralised domain name resolution system that uses an encrypted connection for all requests is going to be needed to combat the online censorship being pushed by world governments. Luckily, this isn't out of the question at all, we'll hopefully see such a system become operational in the near future.

Edited by Korrode

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×