So we can ask many questions especially since the avatars have obtained lots are recent or dealer of land.

Many old avatar, we decided to close their paid account to go on Opensim

Save the Children opposes Internet filter

As noted at Dusan’s site SL has never been mentioned in the Senate or House of Representatives and there is only one committee mention.

The Act itself defines interactive game as having stages or levels. My own judgement is that a court could not read the definition, taking account of the purposive rule in Australian law, to include SL which lacks those characteristics.

I do not exclude the possibility that Conroy, a social conservative nutter with no grasp of technical issues, may want to legislate against virtual worlds at some stage. I do say he has no chance of passing such a law. The numbers in the present Senate would prevent the passage of such legislation and, at least in the case of SL, the limited protection for freedom of communication first articulated by the High Court in Nationwide News Pty Ltd v Wills would, at least arguably, make such a ban unconstitutional.

I am told, although I cannot quote any source for obvious reasons, that there is considerable disquiet in the ALP caucus over Conroy’s enthusiasm for banning stuff.

n Australia the transcripts of what is said in Parliament are known as “Hansard”. Senator Conroy’s specific answer to the question about blocking (not banning – blocking access) can be read here:

http://www.aph.gov.au/Hansard/senate/dailys/ds220609.pdf

Page 95 (PDF page 109), Scott Ludlam, Question 1496.13: “Will computer games exceeding the requirements of the MA15+ classification be RC and potentially blocked by ISPs on a mandatory basis for adults; if not, what other exceptions to RC would be similarly permitted.”

Page 96 (PDF page 110), Stephen Conroy’s Answer: “Computer games that exceed an MA15+ rating are deemed to be RC content as there is no R18+ or X18+ rating. RC content will be included in the mandatory filtering of RC content under the Government’s proposal. Issues relating to the classification of computer games fall within the Attorney-General’s portfolio.

speak up

That’s a lot of people.

Moreover, it is a lot of people who haven’t been able to point to any such statement.

I’ve still been unable to get a response from either Linden Lab (whom I have asked for a comment) or from Senator Conroy’s media people (whom I have asked to whom we go to to get a comment. Repeatedly).

Those who call themselves “Christians” or “Moral,” might see this as a “victory” over “evil.” But for them, as well as all who applaud this travesty of freedom I will quote Benjamin Franklin, who said:

“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

It appears the people of Australia are still prisoners, exiled as were their forefathers and permitted only the freedoms their masters deem fit. It will be interesting to see if they accept this Orwellian destiny or rise up and demand the freedoms so many of them have given their blood to defend around the world.

As for Second Life (SL) and its “danger” as a source of adult content; SL is no more or less dangerous than the rest of the Internet. Those who wish to can find virtually anything they want on the Internet, good, bad or indifferent.

It should be up to adults and parents, not a “Nanny State,” to take the steps necessary to limit exposure to content they deem inappropriate for themselves or their children. This can be done at the individual PC or user level.

By banning access to Second Life, the Australian government is not only cutting off access to “adult” content, but also art, music, education and collaboration opportunities that have the potential to enlighten, inspire and improve the lives of its citizens, young and old alike. If the government of Australia succeeds in censoring SL from their citizens, those of us who work, learn and yes “play” in Second Life will miss the tremendous spirit and contributions our Australian brothers and sisters make to SL everyday.

I close with a quote from another of our (American) Founding Fathers, that I hope will be taken to heart by all those who love freedom in Australia and around the world:

“”The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” Thomas Jefferson

Unless they’re also planning to drastically lower costs, and improve contention ratios as well.

Includes links to informative sites on the broader issue too.

I’ve asked the Lab for a comment, and asked the Senator’s staff to whom I should be directing press queries. So far, you can hear a pin drop.