Promoting And Protecting Digital Rights Since 1994
EFA is an independent non-profit association that relies on membership subscriptions and donations. If you’re concerned about digital rights in Australia, please join or donate today.
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Games Classification discussion paper finally released
The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department has finally released the public consultation paper on the R18+ classification of computer games. This marks the next stage in the campaign for an R18+ rating. We will be working with AusGamers to prepare a submission that accurately and persuasively addresses the civil liberties concerns of Australian gamers. If you think you can help, please join our discussion list or contact me with suggestions.
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Broadband future conference and local events
Starting Thursday 10 December, the Department of Broadband, Communications, and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) will be holding a two day conference on the future of broadband policy in Australia. A number of local forums are being run in conjunction with the Sydney-based event. Check them out in the following locations: Parramatta Melbourne Brisbane The main conference and each of the local events seem quite interesting, and we encourage anyone interested…
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Joel Tenenbaum and the $25,000 songs
I spoke on Sunrise this morning about Joel Tenenbaum’s case in the US; a young university student who will now pay around three quarters of a million Australian dollars in damages to four record labels after a judge upheld a jury decision that could’ve maxed out at $4.5m USD. Joel’s case is terrifying, only the second person in the United States to stand up to the record labels’ campaign of…
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Treat us like adults: rally for an R18+ rating, Brisbane
This weekend I attended and spoke at a rally organised by Ethan Watson in favour of the introduction of an R18+ rating for computer games. Many thanks to Ethan for organising the event, and thanks to the 50 or so people who turned up to show their support. Photos courtesy of Andrew Wade. You can view video of the event filmed by Julian on youtube: Part One; Part Two; Part…
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Rally for an R18+ rating for computer games, Brisbane, 11am
I will be speaking at a rally this morning for the introduction of an R18+ rating for computer games. The event has been organised for 11am at King George Square. Come along if you’re in Brisbane and have the time! The next step in lobbying on this issue is to push for the release of the discussion paper.
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Christian Lobby thank Conroy for filtering update
One of the reasons EFA so opposes the Government’s mandatory ISP-level filtering scheme, of course, is that once it’s in place, special interests will be knocking on the Minister’s door seeking to have their own bugbears addressed by the blacklist. Even if, on day one, the list is limited to the “worst of the worst” of violent, illegal material – which it won’t be – how long do you think…
Help fight for our digital rights
What We Do
Policy
We actively monitor a number of policy areas and specific issues. The topics below provide a detailed view of EFA’s policy positions.
Copyright
Australia’s copyright laws are outdated, inflexible and not fit for the digital age. As such, EFA is a long-standing supporter of reform of Australia’s Copyright Act.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is fundamentally about consent and control over access to information, and goes hand-in-hand with security. Privacy is a human right.
Censorship
Adults should be able to make their own informed decisions about what content they create and consume.
Encryption
Access to encryption technologies is vital for individuals and groups to be able to safeguard the security and privacy of their information.
Internet Safety
Surveillance is not safety. Safety for whom, against what? This complex problem is more likely to be exacerbated, rather than solved, by measures that allow for unaccountable surveillance and the undermining of communications security.
Surveillance
EFA is committed to ensuring that Australian’s home life is not subject to arbitrary interference.