A great example of how arbitrary our current Internet censorship is, and it's the model for the new censorship regime. Somehow describing in detail how to make hash brownies is not "detailed instruction in drug use".
From: ACMA Content Assessment <online@acma.gov.au>
Date: 22 July 2010 06:38
Subject: Complaint Reference: ACMA278584515
Complaint Reference: ACMA278584515
I refer to the complaint that you lodged with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on 20 April 2010 about certain content made available at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/you-dont-have-to-smoke-it--you-can-eat-it-1235362.html
At the time of its investigation, the ACMA was satisfied that the above content was not prohibited content or potential prohibited content as defined by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act).
Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the following categories of online content are prohibited:
- Any online content that is classified RC or X 18+ by the Classification Board. This includes real depictions of actual sexual activity, child pornography, depictions of bestiality, material containing excessive violence or sexual violence, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use, and/or material that advocates the doing of a terrorist act.
- Content which is classified R 18+ and not subject to a restricted access system that prevents access by children. This includes depictions of simulated sexual activity, material containing strong, realistic violence and other material dealing with intense adult themes.
- Content which is classified MA 15+, provided by a mobile premium service or a service that provides audio or video content upon payment of a fee and that is not subject to a restricted access system. This includes material containing strong depictions of nudity, implied sexual activity, drug use or violence, very frequent or very strong coarse language, and other material that is strong in impact.
The above classifications are set out in the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games 2005.
Information about the ACMA’s role in regulating online content (including internet and mobile content) is available on the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au/hotline.
Thank you for bringing this matter to the ACMA’s attention. Please contact the Content Classification Section at online@acma.gov.au if you have any further questions about this matter.
Content Classification Section
_____________________________
Australian Communications and Media Authority
E online@acma.gov.au | www.acma.gov.au/hotline
The ACMA is a member of the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) www.inhope.org