The Australian government recently announced it plans to implement a mandatory, national Internet filter aimed at combating child pornography and adult content. It’s the kind of program that looks almost innocent–if not honorable–on the surface, but critics are crying “censorship” and warning that the “net nanny” could eventually go further in restricting personal rights. The government has said no one will be able to opt out of the planned filter, which is similar to one China instituted.

Human Rights Watch has condemned Internet censorship, and argued to the U.S. Senate “there is a real danger of a Virtual Curtain dividing the Internet, much as the Iron Curtain did during the Cold War, because some governments fear the potential of the Internet, (and) want to control it.”

However, Jim Wallace, managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, supports the Internet control measures: “The need to prevent access to illegal hard-core material and child pornography must be placed above the industry’s desire for unfettered access.”

What do you think of Wallace’s conclusions, and where do you stand on the issue?