16-Years-Old Schoolboy Cracks Australian Government $84 Million Internet Porn Filter

A 16-year-old schoolboy has cracked the federal government's $84-million internet porn filter.

Tom Wood, a Year 10 student, told News Ltd newspapers it took him about 30 minutes to break through the government's new filter, released on Tuesday.

Tom, who attends a Melbourne private school, can deactivate the filter after several clicks.

His method ensures the software's toolbar icon is not deleted.

He can leave his parents believing the filter is still working.

Tom, a former cyber bullying victim, fears a computer-savvy child could put the bypass on the internet for others to use.

"It's a horrible waste of money," he said. "They could get a much better filter for a few million dollars made here rather than paying overseas companies for an ineffective one."

Communications Minister Helen Coonan said the government had anticipated children would find ways to get around the NetAlert filters.

Suppliers were contracted to provided updates, Senator Coonan said.

"The vendor is investigating the matter as a priority.

"Unfortunately, no single measure can protect children from online harm and ... traditional parenting skills have never been more important."

Family First senator Steve Fielding, a cyber safety campaigner, said cracking the software highlighted the need for compulsory filtering by internet providers.

"You need both. You need it at the ISP and at the PC level," Senator Fielding said. "The Government has not listened to common sense and it leaves kids exposed."

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Aussie Government Provides Free internet filters online

Free internet filtering programs are now available on the internet, Federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan said.
The software is designed to block black-listed material and material parents deem unsuitable for their children.
Parents and carers can get access to free internet content filters and advice about managing online safety by visiting the website www.australia.gov.au/netalert or telephoning 1800 880 176.
"Today's launch of practical measures ensures that Australian families can reap the benefits of the online world but at the same time be armed with the information and tools they need to limit the very serious risks the internet can pose to children and vulnerable young people," Senator Coonan said in a statement.
Labor communications spokesman Stephen Conroy welcomed the government's decision to make internet filters available but said there were more effective ways to protect children from inappropriate online material.
Senator Conroy said internet service providers (ISPs) should filter material which had been identified as prohibited by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
"Under Labor's ISP filtering policy Australian internet users will be prevented from accessing content that has been identified as prohibited by ACMA, including violent and pornographic sites," he said.

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