In recent news, American author and journalist Michael Shellenberger has expressed concern over Australia’s eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, and her efforts towards global internet censorship. Shellenberger accuses Grant of being a key architect behind the Global Online Safety Regulators Network, which aims to censor speech that politicians and government bureaucrats fear. He argues that this network gives governments extraordinary power to invade privacy and unify governments around censorship.
The Global Online Safety Regulators Network consists of seven members, including representatives from Australia, France, the UK, Ireland, Korea, South Africa, and Fiji. Grant has stated that the network aims to work together to achieve better safety outcomes for all citizens. However, Shellenberger sees this as a means for governments to control and censor the internet.
Shellenberger points out that Grant may be collaborating with other governments to create identity requirements and stamp out Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which are often used by people in totalitarian societies to access the free internet. He warns that government censors in Ireland, Scotland, and the European Union may also attempt to censor the entire internet, not just in their own countries. With Brazil and Australia demanding the power to censor the internet, Shellenberger’s fears seem justified.
In an interview, Grant admits that social media companies will face challenges due to global governments regulating them in ways that may be unworkable, inconsistent, and detrimental to their future growth. This raises concerns about the potential limitations on freedom of speech and the impact on social media companies.
The controversy surrounding Grant’s office requesting Elon Musk to impose a global ban on footage of a western Sydney church stabbing has also sparked criticism from Australian politicians. Independent Senator Jacquie Lambie went as far as calling for Musk to be jailed for not complying with the request. Shellenberger condemns Lambie’s comments as “truly disgusting behavior” and argues that while violent material online should be limited, it is not the right of any nation to decide what should be on the internet worldwide.
Shellenberger emphasizes that the Australian government’s attempt to censor the entire global internet based on its preferences is unacceptable. He suggests that platforms should instead put warning labels on disturbing content and prevent minors from accessing it. The focus should be on limiting violent content rather than targeting political speech.
In conclusion, the dispute between Michael Shellenberger and Australia’s eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlights concerns over global internet censorship. Shellenberger argues that the Global Online Safety Regulators Network and the Australian government’s actions go beyond limiting violent content and encroach upon political speech. The debate raises important questions about the balance between internet safety and freedom of expression in a globalized world.
