WAIA | Western Australian Internet Association – Western Australian Internet Association

 Cyber Bullying is a critical issue that requires increased public awareness, in particular amongst children and teens. The recent Leeming SHS incident on FaceBook shows how cyber bullying is not just limited to students but can also affect teachers.

“The local incident is an isolated situation” says WA Internet Association (WAIA) President Richard Bone. “No Australian Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Internet Host encourages cyber bullying or would host content that is potentially defamatory” says Bone.

 Today (04/02/2010) the copyright infringement claims by AFACT against iiNet were dismissed by the court.

Some are "relived" but ultimately this is just another step in a disappointing story.

The case highlights that it is consumers that infringe the rights of the copyright holders, not ISPs. Why? Well the simple answer is that consumers still cannot download new movie content from the Internet AND this is clearly what they want to do.

In these times of concern over climate change, it is bizarre that I can drive to my local rental store and rent a "new release" movie for $1 (on a Tuesday). It costs more in petrol to get there and back than the rental fee. So, why can't I just download it for the same $1?

The National Broadband Network represents a once in a generation opportunity for the Australian communications industry to contribute to the development of the new, national communications network.

 Today (15/12/2009) the Minister announced intent to introduce legislation to require that ISPs filter the Internet.

WAIA welcomes all initiatives to make the Internet safer for families and children. This initiative will help reduce access to significant amounts of harmful content.

It should be stressed that the introduction of ISP-level filtering will not address all forms of harmful content and WAIA encourages Internet users to install and maintain an appropriate level of filtering for their requirements. In particular, families with young children need to be aware of online risks and put in place strong security measures.

Community-focused organisations and individuals can now apply for funding to assist in the growth and development of the Internet community in Western Australia. The 2009/10 round of grants funding is now open.

WAIA has allocated grant funding to be provided for this three year program. Over the past two years this program has seen some very worthwhile projects and activities successfully apply for funding of between $2,000 and $5,000.

 Why is it that when Pink releases her new album we can buy it on iTunes or Bigpond the same day but when the latest James Bond movie is released the only place we can see it is at the cinema? The simple answer is that the movie industry refuses to embrace the Internet. Even when movie titles go to rental they are still not readily available for download. Then there’s TV. Why can US residents buy the latest TV shows online (for US$1.99 per episode) but the same opportunity on the same TV shows is not available in Australia? Because the movie industry refuses to allow it.