The issue of censorship vs. free speech has always been a hotly contested topic. With the advent of the Web and the increasing use of electronic media for the dissemination of information, new questions over the individual's rights are being raised. Thorny issues such as what to do about Web access to pornographic materials by minors, gambling on the Internet and the posting of abusive content on newsgroups must be faced.

In Australia current debate is centred around the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Online Services) Act 1999. This amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 will enforce the filtering of Web sites available within Australia in order to block offensive material.

Industry groups continue to debate censorship issues. There are no easy answers to these challenges. Here are some Web sites which are currently discussing freedom, censorship and related issues:

Pro Free Speech	Pro Internet Regulation
The Center for Democracy and Technology site promotes "the future of the First Amendment and free expression in the Information age. The goal of the Electronic Frontier Foundation site is to protect rights and freedom in the electronic environment.	Filtering Facts is "an online source for information on making Internet access in libraries safe for children ad communities. The Enough is Enough site aims to protect children and families from illegal pornography on the Internet.