June 25, 2009 10:59 PM
The Federal Government's dreams to filter the Internet in order make it "suitable" for everyone and alienate those who like to think for themselves appear to have become even more of a nightmare. This time targeting gamers. Information from a spokesman for Senator Conroy states that the filtering plan will include websites that sell banned or unrated video games, including both physical and downloadable distribution methods.
This information has drawn attention once again to the need to include an R18+ classification for video games in Australia. Ron Curry, the chief executive of the IEAA, has described it accurately as an "unacceptable situation". He goes on to suggest "It's through the introduction of an R18+ classification that adults will have access to age appropriate material and parents will have the full tool kit to understand the suitability of content for their children."
Surely this can only lead to an increase in piracy. Adult gamers, capable of making their own decisions, decide to seek out the content they want to access through the only means available despite any legal ramifications. See what you're going Conroy? Turning us all in to criminals!