Australia’s peak technology experts group SAGE-AU has applauded the new Safer Internet Group as a more effective way to protect families online than the Government’s proposed Internet filter.

SAGE-AU, which represents Australia’s System Administrators – the technology experts who keep computers and networks running – is an inaugural partner in the Safer Internet Group (SIG) initiative.

SAGE-AU has been vocal in its condemnation of the Federal Government’s planned Internet filter as a costly, cumbersome and ultimately futile attempt to protect families and children using the Internet.

SAGE-AU president Donna Ashelford said most people found the Internet offered a valuable, enjoyable and safe experience. “The Safer Internet Group will recommend and promote methods to provide an even safer online experience for Australian families,” she said.

“The Safer Internet Group has a practical plan for making the Internet safer through comprehensive policing of the Internet, better education of Internet users and by using tools and technology that work. The SIG will play a central role in coordinating responses of our members to cyber safety concerns.”

The Safer Internet Group unites a diverse group of stakeholders who share the goal of developing the Internet as a platform for education, communication and economic activity. With Australia's leading sponsors of research, outreach and online safety campaigns, its members include Australian Council of State School Organisations Inc (ACSSO), Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Google, iiNet, Inspire Foundation, Internet Industry Association (IIA), Internet Society of Australia (ISOC-AU), Internode, System Administrators Guild of Australia (SAGE-AU) and Yahoo!

The Safer Internet Group will directly support effective policing and education initiatives throughout Australia. It has also developed a five-point plan to make the Internet safer that comprises:

1. More effective education
2. Comprehensive policing of illegal material on the Internet
3. Industry tools that work
4. Promotion and support of broader participation in ongoing solutions
5. Targeted research of Internet risks and opportunities for young people.

Ms. Ashelford commended the Safer Internet Group’s strategy as comprehensive and practical. “From experience, we know it works,” she said.

“Australia needs to take effective action to ensure safety online while preserving the benefits of open Internet access.  We are seeking a commitment from the Government to promote serious policy dialogue on cyber safety that brings together government, community and industry concerns.”

To find out more about the Safer Internet Group, visit its website www.saferinternetgroup.org

Media assistance

Donna Ashelford on 0401 714 350 or email mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About SAGE-AU www.sage-au.org.au

SAGE-AU is the not-for-profit professional organisation representing this country’s system administrators, the technology experts who keep computers and networks running