Few kiwis know their content is filtered: InternetNZ

Fewer than half of New Zealanders are aware that many of the country’s ISPs use an automatic system to filter their internet content, according to a survey published by InternetNZ.

It’s been two years since the introduction of the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System (DCEFS) – a filtering service that blocks images of child sexual abuse – but only 46% of the 877 survey respondents had heard of the system, and fewer than 9% knew whether or not their ISP was using the opt-in service.

Interestingly, two thirds of respondents supported extending the filter to block access to other material, although more research is required to determine what sort of material this may include.

56% of respondents thought it should be up to them to decide whether their content was filtered; 23% were in favour of the government deciding, and 16% thought it should be in the hands of the ISP.

Opinion was divided around whether internet filtering helps reduce child sexual abuse, with 40% saying it was likely or very likely, and 32% saying it was unlikely or very unlikely.

InternetNZ opposed the DCEFS when it was introduced, claiming it represented the ‘thin end of the wedge’ of content filtering and censorship.

A list of the ISPs participating in the DCEFS can be found here, or you can go here to read the full survey results.

Do you think the DCEFS should be used to block other material? What kind? Post your comments below. Image source here.