Stupid Mr Conroy

[Max Damage]

Web filters to censor video games

Cant see that this has been picked up here as yet. Essentially the article suggests that, under the Australian Federal Government's proposed Net filtering framework, online games not conforming to at most an MA15+ rating will be blocked. This rating not only relates to game content but also user content, something over which game developers often have little immediate influence.

Obviously this proposal has major implications for the future of MMO's in this country. Living in South Australia, Im already living in an environment where my Attorney General is blocking the instigation of an R18+ rating for games sold on disk or cartridge. Now the Federal Communication Minister wants to extend the agony. No surprise the Brits have nominated him for their annual "Internet Villain" award.

As one of the largest gaming communities in Australia, is TOG doing anything to lobby decision makers about these issues?

[welshman]

How do You lobby against over paid idiots

[Max Damage]

Haha cant disagree with you there. But believe it or not, we do have a voice and this legislation strikes at the very core of what our members are here for. There is a large groundswell of discontent over censorship and filtering in this country already, with iiNet, Internode and other ISPs joining in. I see no reason why we wouldnt add to that voice, as a concerned group of mature gamers with a very definate interest in the debate.

Note, we represent the very group of gamers that our Government ignores - the mature gamers. The average age of gamer in Australia is 30, but the govt doesnt seem to understand this. We have an opportunity to add value to the debate.

[Reoh]

There's a great thread in the lounge for members who want to find out more about this.
http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/...australia.html


I also wrote this feature, drawing from the ACMA's own report along with other pedagogical sources. (the titles showing is a known bug, its about internet censorship part 1 and 2)

5 Things I Learned From Videogames Feature | TOG - The Older Gamers
5 Things I Learned From Videogames Feature | TOG - The Older Gamers

[edit]
I also forwarded a copy of that to my local MP and Senator Conroy. They both sent me back the same canned response, I made several phone calls to my local MP also.

[Max Damage]

Thanks Reoh, I've taken my activism over to the lounge room

[Robert]

I might pop by too. I hate how a politician believes they have the right to be our moral compass.

[sschrupp]

I have to say that I'm completely ignorant when it comes to politics, even local. I feel for my Australian friends though. Download limits and major censoring? In this day and age of a global society and the world wide web (not the world wide, except Australia, web) what's the point? How does it benefit Australia's citizens?

[welshman]

Australia is one of the worst in D/L Rates but one of the most expensive...But also one of the most populated online markets...Go figure,
As for Poli's they delude themselves in believing they are saving You from your own inner Demons and will go ahead anyway ( how do You talk to a brick wall without smashing it down)....The only thing that will stop this nonsense is when Businesses and Govt start losing Money.
Just look what is happening in Germany...virtually any game rated over PG will be Banned

[Mem]

The only thing that will stop this nonsense is when Businesses and Govt start losing Money

or stop making it out of the process (180 mill and countiing isnt it ?)

Thats the bouncing ball to follow, 100 %

[Reoh]

Propaganda, the difference between a fascist dictatorship and a democratic dictatorship.