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ISP Internet Level Content Filtering Pilot

Questions

Our press release can be found here.

What is the ISP Internet Level Content Filtering Pilot?

As part of a government initiative by the Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy (DBCDE), the Internet Service Provider (ISP) Internet Level Content Filtering Pilot is a trial aimed at testing and assessing ISP level filtering in a real world environment by working with ISPs and their customers.

The purpose of the trial is to assess the impact of ISP content filtering on both fixed and mobile internet access devices. The outcomes will inform the Government's decision making on legislation to do with ISP filtering.

Why is Highway 1 participating?

We recognise this trial as an opportunity to have our voices heard by commenting on the effect of filtering through being actively involved in the evaluation process.

We know that businesses are always looking for services to manage internet usage. As our customer base is primarily made up of small and medium businesses, this trial will benefit both us and our customers. This trial will give us the opportunity to fund and test filtering technology on an "opt-in", voluntary basis, over a set period of time.

Our participation in the trial will allow us as an ISP to assess the technical aspects of filtering solutions and examine its positive and negative effect on our own customers. This is more valuable to us than relying solely on third party information.

How will Highway 1's participation in the Pilot program affect customers?

While we have already identified and contacted a trial group, this trial will be conducted on a voluntary, "opt-in" basis. Highway 1 customers who do not wish to participate in the trial will not have their internet traffic filtered and will not be required to do anything.

If I participate in the trial, what would I be expected to do?

When you are participating in the trial, simply use the internet as you would normally use it. You will be asked to complete a survey that will focus on your filtering experience. In minimising the impact on both you and Highway 1, where possible, the survey will be conducted electronically.

How long is the Pilot program?

This trial will be conducted over a six week period.

When does the Pilot start?

The commences on the 11th May 2009 @ 12:00:00 (EST) and concludes on the 23rd June 2009 @ 12:00:00 (EST)

Will my personal details be collected?

No, You will not be required to submit any personal information and your individual internet usage will not be monitored or tracked. All survey results will be presented in an anonymous form.

Is there a fee to participate?

There is no charge to "opt-in" to the filtering pilot.

What Highway 1 services can the filtering trial be applied to?

ADSL1, ADSL2+ (Internet Only, Bundled, Naked) and BDSL services connected to our WA POP. Unfortunately other types of internet connectvity services cannot participate in the trial.

How can I participate in the ISP Filtering Pilot program?

We welcome all Highway 1 customers to participate in this trial as there will be mutual benefits for both our customers and Highway 1. If you would like to participate, please email filterpilot@highway1.com.au.

If I choose to "opt-in" can I exit the trial at any time?

Yes, you can have the filtering removed from your service at any time. Please email filterpilot@highway1.com.au.

What content will be filtered?

We will be filtering the ACMA Blacklist. For further information on this list please visit the departments website.

Can I choose to get more content filtered?

Yes, we have a range of available categories that customers may elect to have filtered.

Please email filterpilot@highway1.com.au with your username and the categories you would like filtered on your internet connection. We are unable to provide the specific websites in these categories during the filter trial.

Can I get a URL unblocked (whitelisted)?

If you are unable to visit a site as a result of enabling the extended category filters please email filterpilot@highway1.com.au with your username and the URL. We will not whitelist any URLs on the ACMA blacklist nor we will not be accepting blacklisting of any additional sites during the filter pilot.

How can I tell if I have a filtered connection?

All Highway 1 customers can visit the Filter Test Page. This page will display one of two messages:

What does a blocked page look like?

If you hit a blocked site you will receive the following message:

The page you have requested has been blocked by our internet filter as a result of Highway 1 participating in the ISP Filtering Pilot.

The page is either listed on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) blacklist of prohibited sites, or is in a category nominated for blocking by you in your user profile.

For further information on the pilot please visit http://www.highway1.com.au/support_faq_filterpilot.php.

If you would like to opt out of this pilot please email filterpilot@highway1.com.au.

Highway 1 Internet Solutions
1300 139 550

The ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot is an Australian Government initiative.

You're participating in the trial therefore you're endorsing the clean feed legislation!

We disagree. We believe that participation in the trial legitimises our right to be able to comment authoritatively on the technical aspects of the viability of a proposed filtering implementation. Our goal is to objectively assess the technical viability of the filtering solution we have proposed to implement not the relative merits of proposed legislation.