Australia 2006

The law requires Australian ISPs and ICHs to delete content from their servers (Web, Usenet, FTP, etc.) that is deemed "objectionable" or "unsuitable for minors" on receipt of a take-down notice from the government regulator, the Australian Communications & Media Authority ("ACMA") (formerly the Australian Broadcasting Authority ("ABA") prior to 1 July 2005). State and Territory criminal laws apply to content providers/creators and ordinary Internet users.

Some States/Territories have laws enabling prosecution of ordinary Internet users and other content providers for making available material that is deemed "objectionable" or "unsuitable for minors" and/or for downloading content that is illegal to possess. The particular provisions of these laws vary among the States and Territories. EFA continues to oppose the Commonwealth/State & Territory censorship regime.

Although the Commonwealth Government's proposed legislation was watered down in 1999 prior to enactment, following extensive criticism by EFA and other organisations and individuals, it remains a draconian scheme unlike any existing or proposed laws in countries similar to Australia.

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